Germany has reached a ten-year milestone and is now in a state of completion.
In the heart of Europe, Germany continues to grapple with a multitude of challenges, from the economic to the societal, as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century.
Recent statistics suggest that foreigners are statistically more often suspected of crimes, particularly in knife attacks, compared to locals. However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily imply a higher crime rate among foreigners, but rather a higher rate of suspicion due to various factors.
The year 2018 saw a significant political debate between Chancellor Angela Merkel and her interior minister, Horst Seehofer, over border controls, a dispute that went to the bitter end. Fast forward to today, and the CDU and CSU have largely distanced themselves from Merkel's course, with the AfD emerging as the most popular party in Germany.
The issue of refugees has been a contentious one, with Merkel still defending her decision not to close the borders in 2015, albeit with the caveat that such a situation should not happen again. This decision, however, has led to positive outcomes, with 64% of refugees who came to Germany ten years ago now employed, compared to 70% among the native population.
Refugees in Germany are contributing to the economy, paying taxes and social contributions. Despite this, they face challenges in areas such as education and employment, with some refugees arriving in Germany unable to read Arabic, and it's questionable if they'll ever get an education.
The employment trend among refugees is on the rise, with many Syrians and Afghans building something for themselves in Germany. However, half of unemployment benefit recipients are foreigners, and the absence of Ukrainians reduces this to a third. This highlights the need for effective policies to support the integration of refugees into the labor market.
The issue of unemployment benefits is not just an issue for contributors, but a social benefit. The state must prevent abuse, especially moonlighting, with every step to stop unemployment benefits being complicated, bureaucratic, and time-consuming.
The traffic light coalition has introduced border controls, a move aimed at managing migration and ensuring the security of the country. However, this has led to asylum seekers being turned away at German borders.
Climate change and energy transition are ongoing issues, with Germany making strides in renewable energy production. The automotive industry, a cornerstone of the German economy, is currently wobbling, faced with the challenges of the energy transition and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, Germany has deported around 20,084 people in 2024, a 22% increase from the previous year. Notable deportations were made to countries like Georgia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Albania, and Serbia, in addition to about 12,400 rejected asylum seekers who left Germany voluntarily or through other programs.
Germany is also currently dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, both of which have had significant impacts on the country. The war in Ukraine has led to Germany supplying Ukraine with weapons and money, while the pandemic has strained the healthcare system and the economy.
Isolation is a motto for the CDU and CSU, a strategy aimed at distancing themselves from the political left and appealing to their conservative base. However, this strategy has not been without controversy, with critics arguing that it risks alienating moderate voters.
Overall, crime is decreasing in Germany, a testament to the country's strong law enforcement and judicial system. Rents in cities, however, are exploding, a challenge that the government is struggling to address.
Lastly, it's worth remembering Chancellor Merkel's words ten years ago, when 800,000 refugees were standing at Germany's borders: "We can do it." These words, spoken in the face of adversity, continue to resonate today, as Germany grapples with the complexities of migration, politics, and the economy.
