Green leader: Friedrich Merz spreads "tough Russian propaganda"
Created: 06/10/2022 15:37
By: Moritz Serif
CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
© Kay Nietfeld/dpa
Ricarda Lang expresses severe criticism of CDU leader Friedrich Merz.
It is good that he does not bear any responsibility in times of crisis.
Italy is a warning example.
Berlin – "We are now experiencing social tourism from these refugees: to Germany, back to the Ukraine, to Germany, back to the Ukraine." "A larger number of the refugees are now using this system".
These words come from Friedrich Merz, said recently in an interview with
Bild TV
.
After severe criticism, the CDU leader apologized for his choice of words.
He didn't want to hurt anyone, said the 66-year-old.
On Tuesday (October 4th) the remorse seemed to have vanished.
Merz told the news portal "t-online" that Germany's "very large" social network is really attracting refugees "from many countries".
Merz is spreading "not only right-wing narratives, but tough Russian propaganda," said co-party leader Ricarda Lang (Greens) on Thursday (October 6) in Berlin.
"This populism has method."
Ricarda Lang attacks Friedrich Merz
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 when conservative parties think they have to fish on the far right." On Sunday (6 October) Lower Saxony will elect a new state parliament.
"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.
CDU criticized Friedrich Merz for social tourism statements
There was criticism for Merz not only from other parties, but also from the social wing of his own party, his CDU.
"Merz used the usual method of right-wing populists: first cross borders, then row back," said Christian Bäumler, vice-chairman of the CDU employee wing.
"In doing so, he stands in his own way to the chancellor's office and thus harms the Union." 90 percent of refugees from Ukraine are women, children and young people.
Anyone who defames these people as "social tourists" damages the values of the Union, said Bäumler.
(mse with dpa material)