German Chancellor Friedrich Merz offered self-criticism on Monday evening (December 8, 2025) during ARD’s “Arena” program regarding earlier comments he made about migration’s effects on German cities. His previous remark, “Ask your daughters what I meant,” had sparked widespread criticism.
Merz stated: “Perhaps I should have explained more clearly what I meant at the time… Today I would do it differently.”
He added: “There are cities that are completely neglected. That relates to what I said. We must change that. That’s why I always say the answer has two sides. We need migration, we need newcomers – in healthcare, in care services, and in many other sectors.”
Sources - Agencies
