Opening the Bundestag budget debate, Chancellor Angela Merkel has insisted the public has nothing to fear from the migrant influx. She said Germany and "all that is dear to it," will stay as it is.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M.Kappeler
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Merkel told German MPs on Wednesday that the country's current economic and social situation was as good as ever.
There were more jobs, falling unemployment, increased purchasing power, and her government had presided over the largest pension increase in 23 years, she said.
"We have used the good revenues to strengthen social security," the Chancellor told parliament, referring to strong tax revenues from a buoyant economy.
Merkel tried to reassure the public, many of whom are concerned about whether the country can accommodate so many migrants over a short timeframe, saying that "Germany would remain Germany, and so would all that is dear to it."
Vowing to step up efforts repatriate failed asylum seekers, she insisted the overall "situation is much better now than a year ago, but there remains a lot to do."
For those migrants with good prospects of staying, Merkel said her government had sped up integration measures, including education and accommodation.
Merkel with her foreign and economy ministersImage: Reuters/S.Loos
She said if all MPs used the same tactics as the AfD, then "only those who rely on slogans and seemingly easy answers," would win. She said it was important to win back the people's trust by keeping to the truth.
"When we join in with this behavior where facts are ignored or brushed aside, then a responsible and constructive debate is no longer possible," she told parliament.
Turning to international issues, Merkel described the ongoing civil war in Syria as "atrocious" and urged the US and Russia to press for a ceasefire agreement.
She also defended her handling of German-Turkish relations and said a European Union deal with Ankara to curb the flow of migrants was necessary and could serve as a model for agreements with other countries.
mm/jil (AFP, dpa, Reuters)
How a selfie with Merkel changed a refugee's life
Are you addicted to taking selfies? Or do you laugh them off as a trend among teenagers? For Anas Modamani one particular selfie proved to be life-changing.
Image: Anas Modamani
Meeting Angela Merkel
While in a refugee camp in Berlin Spandau, Anas Modamani heard that the German Chancellor Angela Merkel was coming for a visit and would be talking to refugees. The 19-year-old Syrian, who is quite fond of social media, went to take a selfie. He was hoping for the selfie to inspire a real change in his life..
Image: Anas Modamani
Escape to Europe
When Modamani's house in Damascus was bombed, he fled with his parents and siblings to a smaller city called Garia. That is when Anas fled for Europe in the hope that his family could join him there, once he had made it. He first traveled to Lebanon and from there to Turkey and then on to Greece.
Image: Anas Modamani
Dangerous journey
Anas almost died on the way. In order to get to Greece from Turkey he had to travel in a rubber boat, like most refugees. Anas says the boat was overcrowded and eventually capsized and he almost drowned.
Image: Anas Modamani
Five weeks by foot
From Greece Anas traveled by foot to Macedonia. He continued to Hungary and Austria. In September 2015, he reached his final destination: Munich. Once in Germany, he decided he wants to move to Berlin. He has been living there ever since.
Image: Anas Modamani
Waiting for an asylum
Upon arrival to Berlin, Anas spent entire days in front of the LaGeSo, a refugee center in the city. The 19-year-old says that the situation at the LaGeSo was difficult, especially during the winter. Eventually he was sent to the refugee center in Berlin Spandau. He wanted to raise awareness to his situation as a refugee and a selfie with Merkel seemed like the perfect chance to do exactly that.
Image: Anas Modamani
A family at last
Anas says that the selfie with Chancellor Merkel was a life-changer for him. He got a lot of media attention after the photo was published online, and that is how his German foster family became aware of him. He has been living with them for 2 months now. They have been supporting him ever since he became a member of their family.
Image: Anas Modamani
Missing home
Since living with the Meeuw's Anas is happier than ever before. He is doing a German language course, has made a lot of friends and is doing a lot of cultural activities. He graduated high school in Syria and wants to pursue higher studies in Germany. But his main aim right now is to be officially granted asylum and to be able to bring his family to Germany as well.
Image: Anas Modamani
Negative sentiment towards refugees
Anas is hoping for a good and safe life in Germany. But he is worried about the current sentiment towards refugees in the country. He thinks that the negative mood might escalate and have an impact on the laws in regard to refugees. Anas fears that he might not be granted asylum after all, thus ending his dream of bringing his family to Germany.
