Protests continue in Germany over Meretz’s statements on immigration news

Protests continue in some German cities over the weekend against recent statements by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the appearance of cities in light of immigration.

About 5,000 people are expected to participate in protests in several German cities today, Saturday, as a demonstration will begin in Hamburg at one o’clock in the afternoon local time (11 noon GMT), while demonstrations in which hundreds of people are expected to participate in the cities of Magdeburg and Nuremberg.

Meretz said last week that his government was working to correct past failures in immigration policy.

“But of course we still have this problem with the appearance of our cities, which is why the Federal Minister of the Interior is facilitating and carrying out large-scale deportations,” he added.

In the following days, Meretz’s statements sparked widespread reactions, as first his critics, then politicians from within the ruling coalition, and even his deputy chancellor warned against using divisive language when addressing immigration issues. The prominent refugee organization “Pro Azul” also described his statements as “unacceptable.”

Last Wednesday, Mertz clarified that he was referring to immigrants who do not have residence permits or jobs and do not abide by German laws.

In recent days, several protests have already taken place in which thousands of people participated.