Merkel defends migration policy, criticizes AfD's views
Translated from Hungarian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended her migration policies, citing her agreement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
- Merkel acknowledged facing significant political criticism for this policy at the time.
- She stated that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party's views conflict with her understanding of the constitution, despite the party's current strong poll numbers.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel has defended her controversial migration policies, asserting that her agreement with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was a necessary measure. During an interview, Merkel recalled the substantial political backlash she endured for this decision. She also addressed the rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a group whose views she explicitly stated conflict with her own constitutional understanding. "The AfD represents views that do not align with my understanding of the Basic Law," Merkel declared in the interview. This statement comes as the AfD currently polls as the strongest party nationwide, highlighting the ongoing political divisions surrounding immigration and national identity in Germany. Merkel did not directly answer whether she felt responsible for the AfD's ascent.
The AfD represents views that do not align with my understanding of the Basic Law.
Originally published by Magyar Nemzet in Hungarian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.