Ten years after Merkel’s famous statement, Merz states: “We didn’t make it”

Ten years ago, in the summer of 2015, Angela Merkel uttered the phrase that became a political and social turning point: "We can do it." Now, a decade later, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is holding his last press conference before the summer break and is confronted with his predecessor's historic statement. His response is clear: "Mrs. Merkel said that in a specific context. Ten years later, we know that we clearly failed in the area she was referring to back then."

This refers to the integration of hundreds of thousands of refugees who have come to Germany since 2015. Merz leaves no doubt that he views this phase critically, expressing what many in his party have been demanding for years: a departure from Merkel's migration policy.

Nevertheless, he avoids assigning blame. Instead, he tries to look ahead. The current government, Merz explains, agrees that migration and integration policy must be restructured. Initial measures have been taken, and the right steps have been taken.

Merz particularly emphasizes the role of numbers. They speak a "clear language" – and leave no doubt that previous efforts have not been sufficient. It's now a matter of taking countermeasures. Merz presents himself in a decidedly matter-of-fact, almost technocratic manner: "We are obviously not on the right path, but this path is not over yet."