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German chancellor defends remarks on migrants suggesting citizens 'afraid to move around in public spaces'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 18:48 GMT by Fox News
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German Chancellor Defends Comments on Migrants and Public Space Concerns

In a televised press briefing on Thursday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced a sudden wave of criticism after he discussed the perceived hesitancy of both migrants and German citizens to occupy public spaces. The remarks, which were intended as a prompt for dialogue about integration and civic participation, were quickly framed by opposition parties and media outlets as an unsettling stance on the nation’s ongoing migration crisis.

The Original Statement

During the briefing, Scholz noted that “the new wave of migrants is looking for spaces where they can settle, and this has, in some areas, made some citizens uneasy about stepping into those public spaces.” He went on to say that this discomfort, according to him, is a symptom of a broader need to foster stronger community ties and more inclusive public environments. The Chancellor’s words came after a series of protests in several German cities in which migrants were seen occupying public squares, parks, and communal areas during periods of intense heat and scarce housing.

Scholz also referenced statistics from the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, which reported a 12 % rise in the number of refugees granted residence permits in the first half of 2024. He suggested that this surge may be contributing to the public’s uneasy stance, a factor that the government would need to address through policy and public outreach.

Immediate Political Fallout

Opposition leaders, particularly from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), seized the moment. AfD parliamentary group leader Alexander Gauland demanded that Scholz “clarify whether his remarks reflect a stance that is welcoming or hostile toward migrants.” The CDU’s parliamentary group, while not as harsh, called for a more “responsible framing of integration policies” that avoids alienating either the host or the host communities.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Chancellor’s own party, issued a statement praising Scholz’s focus on civic engagement but urging him to emphasize “the benefits of integration for both migrants and German society.” The statement also hinted at an upcoming SPD policy paper that would outline specific measures to improve the integration experience for newcomers.

Scholz’s Defense

When pressed by journalists to elaborate on his comments, Scholz clarified that his intention was not to blame either group but to highlight an area where “the system can improve.” He said that the government is actively developing a “Community Space Integration Plan” designed to encourage joint usage of parks, libraries, and community centers. The plan, which the government unveiled in March, includes the installation of multilingual signage, increased funding for community outreach programs, and the creation of “integration hubs” that facilitate volunteer opportunities for both citizens and migrants.

In an interview with the German television broadcaster ARD, Scholz said, “We must not allow fear to undermine our shared public life. The goal is to create spaces where everyone feels safe and included.”

Contextual Links and Further Information

The press briefing referenced the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, which has a program called “Migrant Integration and Social Cohesion.” This program focuses on language courses, employment assistance, and cultural orientation workshops. A PDF detailing the program’s objectives, budgets, and partnership agreements can be found on the ministry’s website. The ministry’s annual report from 2023, which outlines progress in reducing unemployment among migrant populations, was also cited.

Scholz’s remarks were accompanied by a visual aid showing a graph that tracks the number of public space incidents involving migrants. The graph, sourced from the German Police Federation, indicates a 6 % rise in such incidents in the last year. Critics argue that this data is being used to stoke public anxiety rather than inform constructive policy.

The Chancellor also referenced a statement by the European Commission, which has called for a coordinated EU response to migration that respects human rights while addressing the social integration needs of newcomers. The Commission’s policy brief on “Enhancing Public Space Integration across Member States” outlines best practices that Germany could adopt.

Public Reaction

Public opinion polls released by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) show a mixed reception to Scholz’s comments. While 68 % of respondents agree that integration is essential, only 34 % trust that the current government is addressing the concerns raised in public spaces. A separate survey by the German Press Association noted an uptick in social media posts accusing the Chancellor of “playing politics with migration.”

Neighborhood associations in cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg reported an increased demand for “community integration workshops.” Local leaders from the Berlin Senate, particularly from the Department of Urban Development, have announced a pilot program that will create “open space dialogues” where residents and newcomers can discuss common concerns.

Looking Forward

Scholz has set a series of meetings with the heads of the Interior, Finance, and Federal Ministry for Family Affairs to review the feasibility of the Community Space Integration Plan. The Chancellor’s office announced that an independent evaluation panel will be established to monitor progress. The plan’s first phase aims to secure €30 million in funding from the federal budget, to be matched by local municipalities.

The policy also plans to launch a “Public Space Ambassador” initiative in which volunteers from both migrant and native backgrounds will work together to host cultural events in parks and squares. By encouraging collaboration, the government hopes to reduce fear and foster a sense of shared ownership over public spaces.

Conclusion

While the Chancellor’s remarks have sparked immediate controversy, his subsequent clarifications and the introduction of concrete integration initiatives suggest a commitment to addressing the challenges of public space usage in a diverse Germany. Whether these measures will quell fears among both migrants and citizens remains to be seen, but the debate underscores the complexity of balancing security, inclusion, and civic life in a rapidly changing social landscape.