Sigmar Gabriel, the former leader of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) and ex-Vice Chancellor, has voiced concerns about the country’s shortcomings in integrating immigrants.
In an interview with “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung” published on Tuesday, Gabriel expressed his views on the challenges facing Europe and Germany in particular regarding immigration and integration.
Gabriel pointed out that people are not blind to the fact that, on one hand, Europe is failing to effectively protect its external borders, and on the other, Germany is struggling in many areas when it comes to integrating immigrants who have arrived in the country.
He cited the recent results of the educational study from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) as one of the many indications of these integration challenges. The study, published in early December, found that 15-16 year-old children in Germany scored poorly in reading, mathematics, and science compared to other countries.
Highlighting the need for a new direction in Germany’s immigration policy, Gabriel urged for changes ahead of the next European elections.
He warned that the less the democratic parties discuss this difficult topic in an enlightened and non-frivolous manner during election campaigns, the easier it becomes for the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), to gain ground.
For many people in Germany, the issue of immigration symbolizes increasing insecurity, Gabriel added. From January to November 2023, nearly 305,000 people filed first-time asylum applications in Germany, a roughly 60% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Gabriel criticized democratic parties for their apprehension in addressing this issue head-on, suggesting a growing concern among the populace.
This statement from the former vice chancellor brings to light the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the topic of immigration and integration in Germany, a subject that remains at the forefront of political and social discourse.
