Green leader Lang accuses Merz of spreading “tough Russian propaganda”.
Developments in countries like Italy and Spain show how dangerous the spread of populist narratives is, according to the Green Party politician. The CDU recommends Lang breaking her “loud silence on hardcore populism”.
DThe Greens have heavily criticized CDU leader Friedrich Merz for statements about Ukrainian refugees, among other things. Merz is spreading “not just right-wing narratives, but tough Russian propaganda,” said co-party leader Ricarda Lang on Thursday in Berlin of the German Press Agency. “This populism has method.”
Developments in countries like Italy and Spain show how dangerous such behavior is. “Even before a state election, in the end it only helps the original if conservative parties think they have to fish on the far right.” A new state parliament will be elected in Lower Saxony on Sunday.
“Friedrich Merz proves every day anew why it is good that he is not responsible for government in these times of crisis,” said Lang. “The CDU would be well advised as a party to break its loud silence on the hardcore populism of its chairman.” The party currently gives the impression of supporting his “dangerous line” and is thus questioning its entire solidarity with Ukraine.
Merz had caused outrage last week with a statement about the alleged “social tourism” of Ukraine refugees. The 66-year-old publicly apologized a little later if his choice of words was felt to be hurtful. Merz told Bild TV: “We are now experiencing social tourism from these refugees: to Germany, back to Ukraine, to Germany, back to Ukraine.”
The background, according to Merz: Initially, Ukraine refugees were entitled to care under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act – since June they have received basic security, i.e. the same benefits as Hartz IV recipients. On Tuesday, Merz told the news portal “t-online” that Germany’s “very large” social network was really attracting refugees and migrants “from many countries”.