Angela Merkel criticizes AfD and praises Isken
In a public appearance in the city of Schwerin, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel answered citizens' questions, where immigration policy was a key focus of the discussion. During her talk, Merkel strongly criticized the AfD party and praised former SPD politician Saskia Esken in contrast.
Merkel said: "Saskia Esken and I have a great mutual respect for each other." She noted that she was influenced by Esken's political style, describing it as "honest, fair, and clear." She added that she had always had good communication with her. She also did not deny the reports that indicated her desire to bid farewell to Esken as a guest speaker at the recent SPD conference, but she clarified that the decision changed later.
Regarding concerns about the return of border controls in Europe, following Poland's announcement of imposing controls on its borders in response to German regulations, Merkel expressed her concern for the unity of the European Union. She stated, "I am worried about the ability of the Schengen system to continue," emphasizing that "border controls may be temporarily necessary, but they should not affect the freedom of movement."
Merkel rejected the accusations that her refugee policy was the reason for the rise of the AfD party, asserting that her government's decisions on this issue do not justify xenophobia in any way. She added: "One cannot become a xenophobe because of that."
She accused the AfD party of trying to divide German society, stating: "The AfD is a party that promotes hostility against foreigners and fuels prejudices." She criticized the party's attempt to use the slogan "We are the people," which was used in protests during the end of the German Democratic Republic, affirming: "The people are all citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany, and I am one of them, and I will not give up this place."