A leading migration researcher has publicly defended the refugee policies enacted by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, amidst growing criticism from within her own party.
Gerald Knaus, speaking to the Handelsblatt, argued that the core elements of Merkel’s approach following 2016 were fundamentally correct, citing the significant reduction in refugee arrivals following the EU-Turkey agreement as evidence. He asserted that Germany had effectively managed irregular migration during that period.
Knaus expressed concern over recent remarks by Friedrich Merz, current leader of the CDU, who alluded to Merkel’s famous “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do it”) phrase by suggesting that the nation demonstrably did not. Knaus warned that such statements risk undermining the party’s legacy and create an opening for the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) to exploit. He posited the AfD could perpetually blame the CDU whenever a crime is committed by a migrant, capitalizing on perceived failures.
Addressing the current German government’s policy of border rejections for asylum seekers, Knaus voiced opposition, describing the measures as ineffective and potentially detrimental to European law. He questioned the legal basis for the policy, characterizing it as a maneuver that will ultimately be overturned by courts.
Knaus urged the current government to prioritize “safe third-country agreements” as a key element of a sustainable migration strategy, emphasizing their legality and efficacy. He also advocated for consistent deportations of convicted criminals.
