Migration: Frank-Walter Steinmeier Speaks Out Against Exclusion

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has strongly advocated for national unity, urging Germans to embrace cohesion rather than exclusion and to reject divisive nationalist sentiments. Speaking at a public event, Steinmeier declared, "Germany is our common home," asserting that the nation's constitution defines the "German people" as inclusive of individuals who have immigrated.

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Germany is our common home.

Steinmeier cautioned against attempts to categorize or rank German citizenship, stating that such actions place individuals outside the democratic order. He appealed to the public to resist these divisive efforts and prevent the country from becoming consumed by an "us versus them" mentality. The President underscored the necessity of immigration for Germany's functioning and expressed a desire for a nation that chooses "cohesion over exclusion" and rejects "fantasies of ethnic isolation."

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The 'German people' in the sense of our constitution, that includes Germans who have come to us.

He further clarified that the German constitution does not recognize a "people's community of common blood" and affirmed that there are no "first- or second-class citizens." Steinmeier shared his concern over reports from individuals with migration backgrounds who fear discrimination and attacks, stating, "If people in our country have sleepless nights because they are excluded and attacked, then we must all become wide awake."

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Whoever wants to 'categorize and grade' Germanness is placing themselves outside our democratic order.

Acknowledging that immigration brings both strength and challenges, Steinmeier also recognized that long-term residents sometimes feel overwhelmed and alienated by the influx of newcomers. He stressed that when people lose trust in the ability to live together successfully, political leadership must act decisively. "If people have lost trust in successful coexistence, then politics is called upon," he stated, emphasizing the need for swift and determined action to address apparent problems and offer solutions. The event, held during the renovation of Bellevue Palace, focused on the opportunities and challenges of immigration and integration.

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We need immigration as a country. We need it if we want to function.