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Boris Becker on migration policy: Germany saved my mother!
Boris Becker presented his autobiography in Cologne and commented on the German cityscape debate and migration policy.
Boris Becker on migration policy: Germany saved my mother!
Yesterday evening, Boris Becker presented his autobiography “Inside: Winning – Losing – Starting Over” in the sold-out Theater am Tanzbrunnen in Cologne. The occasion was not only a literary event, but also an emotional evening that earned Becker a standing ovation from the audience. In a moving lecture, the former tennis star opened his heart and spoke about the 231 days he had to spend in British prison and the darkest times of his life. “My mother saved me,” said Becker, referring to the story of his mother Elvira’s escape from the Sudetenland.
During the evening, Becker also took a clear stance on the current cityscape debate in Germany. As the Mercury reports that it was important to him not to choose a political corner and to show respect for the work of the Federal Chancellor, Friedrich Merz. He praised Merz, but also expressed concern about negative developments in migration policy. “The approaches taken so far are going in the wrong direction,” said Becker, who passionately advocated cosmopolitanism.
Cosmopolitanism in focus
Referring to his own story, Becker explained that he never judges people based on skin color or religion. “Germany saved my mother,” he repeated several times, making it clear how important openness and acceptance of new cultures is to him. This statement could be interpreted as a clear message in light of the controversial statements made by Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the challenges of migration policy and the need to correct previous failures.
Becker also referred to Merz's statement, who emphasized the importance of immigration for Germany and pointed out that people without residence rights or integrative opportunities represent a problem for the cityscape. Becker believes that it is important that Germany remains politically cosmopolitan and that the country continues to develop.
A life between worlds
In a broader context, Becker spoke in an interview with WDR about his personal connection and the challenges in life as an athlete who was confronted with many ups and downs. The emotionality of the evening that gripped those present was a further sign of how present and relevant Becker still is today and what role personal history plays in this. A story in which the coexistence of all people – regardless of their origin or faith – plays a central role.
The evening ended with warm applause and the conviction that such issues need to be brought to the fore more than ever. Society is called upon to focus on diversity and draw strength from it - a message that Boris Becker conveyed impressively.