German Chancellor Friedrich Merz gave an interview to the magazine “Zeit”, in which the issue of changes in Germany's migration policy and the reaction of neighboring countries to the measures taken by Berlin were raised. “We have a common problem with illegal migration and we have to solve it together,” Merz emphasized.
“Zeit” noted in a conversation with the Chancellor that by implementing changes to its migration policy, Germany will alienate its neighbors, such as Poland, which does not want to accept Germany sending back refugees.
Merz responded by stressing that “the situation is particularly critical for Poland, as the country is also a victim of hybrid warfare through migration flows from Belarus and Russia.” He added that he “explicitly offered” assistance in protecting Poland's borders, which are also the EU's external borders.
The Chancellor noted that ” there is a fear in Poland that we will send refugees who have been in Germany for years back across the border. It is not about them. It is about refugees who should apply for asylum in another EU country. We have a common problem with illegal migration and we must solve it together.”
Merz was asked about the issue of sanctions against Russia after the Russian government rejected the call for a ceasefire.
“We are in agreement among the heads of state and government that we must now exhaust all possibilities. We are talking about further sanctions in the energy sector, in the banking sector, further measures concerning assets and sanctions against individuals. We are now working on this with our European partners,” said the German Chancellor.
In response to a question about the possible confiscation of frozen Russian assets, Merz stated that “we are currently clarifying this issue. If there is a way to release the money on a solid legal basis, we will do it. However, we must be aware of the risks such a step carries for the European financial market.
Friedrich Merz, as the leader of the opposition, criticized former Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not wanting to supply Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine – “Zeit” recalled, pointing out that Merz now no longer wants to speak publicly about individual weapon systems.
“I agree with the Minister of Defense (Boris Pistorius) and the Vice Chancellor (Lars Klingbeil) that we no longer want to discuss weapons on an open stage. It is not that we no longer want to inform the German public. With these discussions we are only playing into Putin's hands and providing him with valuable information. We will honor our commitments and provide the necessary military support,” assured Chancellor Merz.
From Berlin Berenika Lemańczyk (PAP)
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