CDU leader Merz is now also being sharply criticized from within his own party for his statements about medical treatment for rejected asylum seekers. The deputy head of the CDU social wing Bäumler accuses him of splitting the party.
After his statements about dental treatments for rejected asylum seekers, CDU leader Friedrich Merz now has to face severe criticism from his own party. The deputy head of the CDU social wing, Christian Bäumler, called on Merz to withdraw his statements or to forego running for chancellor.
“Merz’s derailments are incompatible with the Christian view of humanity. Many CDU members are ashamed of their party leader,” Bäumler told the German Press Agency. Merz split the CDU. Merz had said that rejected asylum seekers had their teeth done in Germany and thus took away Germans’ appointments at the dentist.
The federal government’s migration commissioner, Reem Alabali-Radovan, also expressed anger: “Resentment is being stirred up and false allegations are being made.” Such statements “put the ax on social cohesion”.
Scholz: “Merz should be more careful with his words”
On Friday, Chancellor Scholz criticized Merz’s statement that Germany was too generous with asylum seekers when it came to health care. “What Mr. Merz said does not correspond to the legal situation in Germany. I think that you should be more careful with your words,” said the SPD politician in an interview with SWR.
When it comes to irregular migration, it’s all about having a clear course. This includes, for example, deporting those who are not entitled to protection. “These are clear sentences and we have to make very clear, precise policies so that we can enforce our laws. But that doesn’t have to lead you to be clumsy with your words,” said Scholz in the direction of Merz.
In the last few days, politicians from the SPD, the Greens and the Left have also reacted indignantly.