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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced fierce criticism for his comments on immigration, after calling for "mass deportations" and declaring that "every parent with a daughter" would support his stance.
Merz, who took office in May on a promise to curb the rise of the far-right AfD party, on Monday criticized a journalist who asked him if he intended to backtrack on or apologize for strong comments he had made earlier on immigration, following widespread negative reactions.
"I don't know if you have children, or if you have daughters," Merz told the journalist. "Ask your daughters, I believe you will get a strong and clear answer. I have nothing to withdraw, on the contrary, I emphasize, something needs to change."
The left-wing opposition accused Merz of using rhetoric similar to that of extremist parties, which have long promoted the narrative that migrants are a threat to women and girls, a topic that has become a rallying point for extremists around the world.
Ricarda Lang, a prominent Green MP, said Merz was using a patronizing approach towards young women and ignoring their real concerns.
“The ‘girls’ are probably tired of the fact that Friedrich Merz only remembers their rights and security when he needs them to justify his outdated policies,” she wrote in X.
Merz emphasized that his priority was "safety in public spaces," adding that only if this safety is ensured will traditional parties restore the trust of citizens.
Social Democrat MP Natalie Pawlik, from Merz's government partner party, criticized his approach.
"Migration should not be stigmatized through simplistic or populist reactions, this only deepens divisions in society and helps those who shouldn't," she declared.
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