Thousands of people took to the streets of Berlin to protest against controversial remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The demonstration, held in front of the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), saw participation from nearly seven and a half thousand people, the majority of whom were young women.
Protesters voiced strong outrage over Merz’s comments. Last week, he stated, “Immigrants and refugees have negatively impacted the character of German cities.” Facing widespread criticism, Merz reiterated his stance on Monday, adding, “Ask your daughters what I meant.”
Critics argue that Merz’s statement implied that immigrant men are more likely to engage in sexual harassment or criminal activities—an assertion not supported by evidence and one that directly fuels racist notions.
Luisa Neubauer, a prominent environmental activist and one of the protest organizers, addressed the crowd, saying, “Merz’s remarks are not only discriminatory, but they also contradict the inclusive values of our society.” She posted on Instagram, “There are nearly forty million women in this country. Our safety is important, but it should not be used as an excuse for racist rhetoric.”
Protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as “Racism is the real problem of our cities,” “Women Unite for a Diverse City,” and “We Define the City’s Character.”
Chancellor Merz’s coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD), strongly condemned his remarks. SPD lawmaker Ralf Stegner told German daily Tagesspiegel, “The Chancellor’s comment sends a completely wrong message. It encourages a ‘send foreigners away’ mentality and fosters division within society.”
He added, “Such statements not only create confusion among the public but also increase tensions within the coalition government itself.”
Sources: Deutsche Welle, Reuters, Anadolu Agency, TRT World.