Protest in Munich: 200 people against Merz's controversial cityscape statement

Protest in Munich: 200 people against Merz's controversial cityscape statement

In the early afternoon yesterday, around 200 people gathered on Munich's Marienplatz to protest against the controversial "cityscape" statement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU). The rally, organized by the “Frau-Kunst-Politics” association, which actively advocates for women's rights and integration, was a clear signal against discriminatory rhetoric. The speakers made it clear that words can often be quite violent and emphasized the need for respectful communication about migration.

Naciye Özsu, the SPD local leader in Taufkirchen, accused Merz of using divisive language and called for a more humane view of the immigration situation. Julia Schmitt-Thiel, Munich's SPD city councilor, also made it clear: "Dividing language has no place in our city." The critics held up signs with the slogan “No human being is illegal,” a clear message of solidarity and humanity.

The background of the protests

The protests were triggered by an appearance by Merz in Potsdam, where he was asked about the rise of the AfD and the challenges in migration policy. Merz said that the federal government wanted to reduce the number of new asylum applications by 60 percent from August 2024 to August 2025. This statement not only caused irritation, but was also heatedly discussed in the Bundestag. Critics from the ranks of the Greens and the Left demanded an apology for Merz's hurtful words.

In the context of the debate about migration, CSU leader Markus Söder emphasized the need to encourage non-delinquent Syrians and Afghans to leave the country. The use of the term “cityscape” is increasingly criticized as a euphemistic code word that constructs a negative perception of people who are viewed as non-German or non-white. Sociologist Nina Perkowski explains that such terms fuel fears and legitimize measures such as deportations.

Crime statistics and their interpretation

A current study by the German Institute for Economics shows that the fear of crime does not always go hand in hand with the actual development of crime. The Federal Criminal Police Office's Police Crime Statistics (PKS) recorded a 7.5 percent increase in violent crime by foreigners compared to the previous year. Despite the fact that over 40 percent of the suspects are foreigners, they only make up around 15 percent of the population. Criminologists warn against misinterpreting this data. Holger Münch, President of the BKA, has called for a clear focus on limiting migration, while critics point out the complexity of the issue.

Reporting on refugee immigration and terrorist attacks has increased public fear of crime. Right-wing populist and right-wing extremist movements stir up fears of a “racialized other” and thus lead to a secret feeling of threat among broad sections of the population.

The reactions to Merz's statements and the subsequent protests make it clear that the discourse about migration and integration in Germany remains very polarized. The ongoing conflicts show that many people in Germany perceive racism, discrimination and social exclusion as key threats.

While positions appear to be deadlocked in the political arena, it remains to be hoped that the voices of those who advocate open and respectful coexistence will become louder.