Today: 23 August 2025
11 October 2023
1 min read

Scholz concerned about growing far-right popularity in Germany

Immigration was among the key topics as Germany, like elsewhere in Europe, is facing a surge of new arrivals that has revived memories of a major influx in 2015…reports Asian Lite News

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed concern Tuesday about the growing popularity of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) after the party made strong gains in state elections at the weekend.

“We have to be concerned about the votes that went to a right-wing populist party in Germany,” said Scholz, speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Hamburg.

“There is no doubt at all that political positions are represented there that are not well compatible with the ideas we have of freedom, democracy, the rule of law,” he added.

The anti-immigration AfD gained several percentage points in the key polls on Sunday, coming second in the state of Hesse and third in Bavaria. Scholz’s centre-left-led coalition meanwhile suffered heavy losses.

Immigration was among the key topics as Germany, like elsewhere in Europe, is facing a surge of new arrivals that has revived memories of a major influx in 2015.

Asked whether the government planned to change its migration policies after the far right’s latest gains, Scholz defended the coalition’s approach, saying steps were being taken to deal with surging numbers.

But he also acknowledged the “number of refugees coming to Germany is too high, especially considering that many of them have been in other European countries before, where they were not registered or processed through asylum procedures”.

Macron, on a two-day visit to Germany, said that rising nationalism was due to an “ineffective response to the problems of illegal migration”.

“Strengthened European cooperation” was needed, he added.

EU states last week agreed to the final part of an overhaul for rules on how they handle asylum seekers and irregular migrants, setting up a push to make it law by elections next year.

Once implemented, the new Pact on Migration and Asylum would seek to relieve the pressure on so-called frontline countries such as Italy and Greece by relocating some arrivals to other EU states.

ALSO READ-UK, Ireland to host Euro 2028

Previous Story

IMF slashes forecast for Italy’s economic growth in 2023

Next Story

Ukraine to spend 21.6% of GDP on defence in 2024

Latest from -Top News

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin

Dubai’s startup supernova

Marking its 10th year, Expand North Star cements Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital innovation, uniting startups, unicorns, and investors to shape the future economy….reports Asian Lite News Expand North

Qatar: Syria’s stability key to region

Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN, urged unity and sovereignty for Syria as regional diplomacy, UN warnings, and fragile ceasefires highlight a precarious crossroads….reports Asian Lite News Qatar, speaking
Go toTop

Don't Miss

ifo trims Germany’s growth forecast

According to the ifo forecast, the unemployment rate in Germany

Jaishankar expresses concern over Indian baby in German foster care

The couple has sought Indian government’s help in repatriation of