Angela Merkel Supports Coalition's Migration Policy Plans

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her approval of the recent coalition agreement between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). In an interview with Deutschlandfunk Kultur, she noted that she was pleased, as a citizen, to see the completion of coalition negotiations. Merkel highlighted the productive atmosphere during the discussions, praising the lack of unnecessary chatter and leaks.

Regarding the coalition's migration policy, Merkel conveyed her agreement with many of the proposed measures, although she acknowledged differences in emphasis and tone compared to her own policies. She reiterated the importance of managing irregular migration and expressed her support for coordinated border controls with neighboring countries. Merkel emphasized that the migration issue cannot be addressed solely at the German-Austrian border but must be tackled at the European external borders.

On the subject of the new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Merkel recognized his strong desire for leadership and indicated that he has taken the opportunity to lead the coalition. She remarked on the previous competition between them for leadership roles.

Merkel also commented on the significant investments outlined in the coalition agreement. She supported the idea of conditional financing and praised the establishment of a special fund, rather than an open-ended commitment to expenditures.

She stressed the urgency of directing funds into construction projects and highlighted the need for qualified personnel and expedited planning processes.

Turning to international issues, Merkel critiqued U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies. She noted that Trump seems convinced that the U.S. has been disadvantaged over the years, a perspective she encountered during her tenure as Chancellor. Merkel cautioned that the ramifications of U.S. policies, such as rising bond yields and shifting investor interests, are significant and cannot be ignored.

Merkel observed that Trump's current approach appears more calculated than in his first term, suggesting that he is implementing policies with greater decisiveness. She contrasted this with her belief in collaboration within the EU, where strength lies in unity.

The former Chancellor also addressed the topic of social media regulation, arguing for stricter controls over digital platforms. She expressed concern that allowing platforms to operate without regulation could exacerbate issues related to public opinion formation, particularly if algorithms prioritize radical viewpoints. Merkel expressed hope that the EU would maintain stringent regulations as outlined in the Digital Services Act.

When discussing gender equality in politics, Merkel voiced her desire for more female representation in leadership roles. She noted that it would be preferable to see equal representation of women in significant political positions. Merkel's comments may have been influenced by the recent presentation of the coalition agreement, which featured only one woman among the four leading figures.

In conclusion, Merkel urged party leaders to ensure that gender parity is reflected in cabinet appointments, emphasizing that this change must come from within the parties themselves.