Gladness Gideon
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday called for balanced and thoughtful public discourse on immigration, emphasizing that migration has played a vital role in shaping modern Germany.
Speaking in Berlin at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Intercultural Week, a national initiative promoting diversity and combating racism, Steinmeier acknowledged the complexities surrounding migration but urged citizens and policymakers to recognize its enduring contribution to the country’s development.
“Immigration was never easy,” the president said. “But it is not merely a source of problems — it has also been an essential element of our country’s success story.”
His remarks come amid renewed scrutiny of Germany’s migration policies and tightened border controls introduced by the current government to manage irregular migration flows.
Steinmeier stressed the importance of an “honest position” in shaping migration policy — one that realistically addresses what the nation can handle while maintaining its identity as a multicultural society. He called for a consensus that embraces Germany’s diverse makeup, stating, “We are and will remain a country with many backgrounds, religions, and cultures.”
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Highlighting the significance of integration and equal opportunity, he added, “Being German today also means equal rights for those with immigrant biographies.”
The president shared that around 21 million people — approximately one-quarter of Germany’s population — are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. “We are more than a country with people with an immigrant background,” Steinmeier said. “Germany is a country with an immigrant background.”
He concluded by underscoring the economic and societal importance of migration: “Without immigration, Germany would undoubtedly be a poorer country.”
The event served as a reminder of the country’s ongoing efforts to balance cultural inclusion with evolving immigration policies, amid broader European debates on migration and national identity.