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Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD): “For cohesion, for tolerance, for our democratic Germany”
Photo: Michele Tantussi / Getty Images
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has compared the “remigration” plans of right-wing extremists in Germany with the racial ideology of the National Socialists.
»If there is something that can never have a place in Germany again, then it is the ethnic racial ideology of the National Socialists.
Nothing else is reflected in the extremists' repulsive resettlement plans," said the SPD politician in the now published edition of his video series "Chancellor Compact."
All people in Germany are called upon to take a clear stand: “For cohesion, for tolerance, for our democratic Germany.”
Anti-right-wing demonstrations are planned across Germany this weekend.
Tens of thousands of participants are expected.
In Hamburg alone, tens of thousands of people took to the streets on Friday.
Mayor Peter Tschentscher (SPD) said: "The message to the AfD and its right-wing networks is: We are the majority, and we are strong because we are united and because we are determined not to have a second one, our country and our democracy after 1945 Let it be destroyed.”
“That thought sends icy chills down your spine.”
The demonstrations took place after a report by the research center Correctiv about a conspiratorial meeting with right-wing extremists in Potsdam in November.
Several AfD politicians took part, as did individual members of the CDU and the very conservative “Union of Values”.
A head of the right-wing extremist “Identitarian Movement” in Austria also spoke to Martin Sellner there, according to his own statements about “remigration”.
When right-wing extremists use this term, they usually mean that large numbers of people of foreign origin should leave the country - even under duress.
Scholz said in his video that the right-wing extremists discussed in Potsdam how they could drive millions of people out of Germany.
“That thought sends shivers down your spine.” He spoke of a “diabolical plan.”
It is “terrible” that some migrants are now even wondering whether they still have a future in Germany.
Scholz assured all people in Germany with a migrant background: “You belong to us!
Our country needs you!” That is also the message of the new citizenship law that was passed in the Bundestag on Friday.
»I think this feeling of being German and Italian or German and Turkish – that corresponds to the reality of life for many citizens in our country.
Recognizing this is a question of respect,” emphasized Scholz.
»You helped build Germany's prosperity.
Our country owes you so much!
That’s why we will recognize your life’s achievements as part of the naturalization process.”
However, Scholz also emphasized that irregular immigration to Germany must be curbed at the same time.
"We have to organize migration better than before - very pragmatically and, above all, without hatred and without prejudice."
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Aiman Mazyek, called on Muslims in Germany to take part in the rallies against the right.
Muslims are exposed to hatred and hostility in everyday life.
This is unacceptable and requires a “determined and united response from everyone who values the values of democracy and coexistence in Germany.”
aeh/dpa