The Legacy of Angela Merkel

The Legacy of Angela Merkel: The Foundation of Success for Young Professionals and Refugees in Germany

Merkel’s Open-Door Policy: A Bold Move with Long-Term Benefits

The 2015 refugee crisis was a turning point in Germany’s modern history. As conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other regions escalated, millions were displaced, creating a humanitarian emergency that Europe could not ignore. While many European countries hesitated or closed their borders, Merkel made the bold decision to allow over one million refugees to enter Germany, defying the growing populist sentiment and opposition from within her own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as well as from the AfD.

This decision was rooted in a deep sense of humanitarian responsibility. Merkel’s famous declaration, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do it”), symbolized her commitment to managing the crisis effectively while maintaining Germany’s ethical standards. Critics predicted that this influx would overwhelm Germany’s social systems, lead to increased unemployment, and strain the economy. However, Merkel’s policy has since proven to be not just a humanitarian success, but an economic one as well.

Economic Contributions of Refugees and Immigrants in Germany

Contrary to the fears of economic collapse, the integration of refugees into the German labor market has had a positive impact on the economy. The financial contributions of these immigrants are substantial and can be outlined as follows:

• Employment and Vocational Training:
  • By 2020, nearly 50% of the refugees who arrived in 2015 were either employed or in vocational training.
  • Many of these individuals filled critical labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, and IT.
• Tax Contributions:
  • Refugees who found employment have been contributing approximately €7 billion annually in taxes and social contributions by 2020.
  • This influx of tax revenue has helped bolster Germany’s public finances and sustain the social welfare system.
• Support for the Pension System:
  • The contributions of young, working refugees are essential in supporting Germany’s aging population.
  • Their input into the pension system is critical to addressing the demographic challenges facing Germany, ensuring the sustainability of pensions for future generations.
• Entrepreneurship and Job Creation:
  • A growing number of refugees have become entrepreneurs, creating businesses that generate jobs and contribute to the economy across various industries.
  • By 2021, around 40% of employed refugees were working in industries facing acute labor shortages, such as logistics, hospitality, and care services.

Integration Programs: A Pathway to Success

Merkel’s government implemented a range of integration programs to ensure that refugees and immigrants could successfully adapt to life in Germany. The effectiveness of these programs can be highlighted as follows:

• Language Acquisition:
  • Nearly 80% of refugees participated in German language courses by 2019, with many reaching proficiency levels that opened doors to higher education and skilled employment.
• Job Training and Education:
  • Merkel’s policies emphasized job training and vocational education, helping refugees and immigrants gain the skills needed to thrive in the German labor market.
  • These efforts have led to a significant number of refugees contributing to high-skilled sectors such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.

The Role of Young Professionals in Germany’s Growth

While refugees have played a critical role in addressing labor shortages and boosting the economy, young professionals from abroad have also flourished in Germany under Merkel’s leadership. Some key outcomes include:

• Attracting Global Talent:
  • The Blue Card program, launched in 2012, successfully attracted thousands of highly skilled workers from non-EU countries.
  • These professionals are contributing to Germany’s innovation and technological advancement, particularly in industries like IT, engineering, and research.
• Innovation and Technological Advancement:
  • Young professionals from abroad have become key players in sectors crucial for maintaining Germany’s status as a global economic leader.
  • Their presence enriches the German workforce, fostering a diverse and dynamic business environment.

Why Merkel Was Ahead of Her Time: A Vision Beyond Germany’s Readiness

Angela Merkel’s decision to open Germany’s borders to over a million refugees in 2015 was not just a policy decision; it was a reflection of her broader vision for a more inclusive, humanitarian, and globalized Germany. However, as much as Merkel believed in this vision, she soon realized that both her political party and a significant portion of German society were not fully prepared for the cultural and societal shifts that such a bold move would entail.

Merkel’s famous statement, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do it”), encapsulated her belief in Germany’s capacity to rise to the occasion. However, this optimism underestimated the deep-rooted concerns and fears within German society regarding immigration and integration. Merkel’s vision was rooted in principles of compassion, solidarity, and a long-term view of Germany’s role in the world. She envisioned a Germany that could not only provide refuge but also harness the potential of newcomers to rejuvenate the economy and society.

However, this vision clashed with the more conservative and cautious attitudes prevalent among many Germans and within her own political party. The CDU, traditionally a center-right party, was divided over Merkel’s approach. Many within the party, particularly in the conservative wing, felt that Merkel’s open-door policy was too radical and feared it would alienate the party’s traditional base. These fears were amplified by the rise of the AfD, which capitalized on the growing unease over immigration by promoting a nationalist and anti-immigrant agenda.

The AfD’s rapid rise in popularity, particularly in Eastern Germany, exposed a cultural divide within the country. For many Germans, particularly those in regions with less exposure to multiculturalism, Merkel’s vision was unsettling. The influx of refugees was seen as a threat to the traditional social order, and concerns about security, cultural identity, and economic competition fueled a backlash.

Merkel’s assumption that Germany could quickly adapt to these changes underestimated the cultural and social inertia within the country. While she was focused on the potential benefits of immigration in the long term, many Germans were more concerned with the immediate challenges—such as the integration of large numbers of refugees into the labor market, schools, and communities.

This disconnect between Merkel’s forward-looking vision and the readiness of German society created a political vacuum that the AfD was quick to exploit. The party’s success in framing the refugee crisis as a cultural and economic threat resonated with those who felt left behind by globalization and rapid social change.

Despite these challenges, Merkel’s vision has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and dynamic Germany. The success stories of young professionals and refugees who have thrived in Germany under her policies are a testament to the potential that Merkel saw in her country’s ability to adapt and grow. However, the backlash against her policies also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in leading a society through such profound change.

Merkel’s Legacy Under Threat

Despite the clear benefits of Merkel’s policies, her legacy is now under threat from both her own party, the CDU, and the far-right AfD. The challenges posed by these political shifts include:

• CDU’s Shift Towards Conservatism:
  • Under new leadership, the CDU has distanced itself from Merkel’s open-door policy, adopting a more conservative stance on immigration.
• Rise of the AfD:
  • The AfD has gained popularity by exploiting fears about immigration and promoting a nationalist agenda.
  • Their rhetoric has fueled anti-immigrant sentiments, increasing polarization and threatening the success of integration efforts that have been so effective in recent years.

Why I’m Writing About Angela Merkel

I came to Germany in 2014 as a political refugee, leaving behind a life in Iran that I had worked hard to build. I had successful businesses and a secure future, but circumstances forced me to abandon everything I knew. When I arrived in Germany, I was faced with the daunting task of starting over in a new country, a new culture, and with a new identity as a refugee. Over time, Germany became my new home, but the journey was far from easy.

In the decade I’ve spent living here, I’ve experienced both the welcoming spirit and the harsh realities of being a foreigner in this land. I’ve heard more times than I can count that I should “go back where I come from,” and I’ve been called names that reminded me I was still seen by some as an outsider. Yet, alongside these experiences, I encountered many Germans who extended a hand, who saw beyond my background and gave me a chance to rebuild my life. These contrasting experiences shaped my understanding of this country and deepened my commitment to contribute positively to it.

Today, I run a business in the housing industry, focusing on ensuring fair opportunities for those who face discrimination due to their different backgrounds and names. I understand what it means to be judged for who you are or where you come from, and I strive to make a difference for others who face similar challenges.

Despite the ideological differences between Angela Merkel and me—she is religious while I am an atheist, and I have never been a fan of the CDU, either during her leadership or now as it becomes more radical—I cannot allow these differences to stop me from acknowledging the profound impact she had on my life and the lives of many others like me. Merkel stands as an iconic figure in German politics, not because of her affiliation with any party, but because of the moral and pragmatic decisions she made at a crucial time in history. Her decision to welcome refugees in 2015 was not only a gesture of humanity but also a strategic move to address Germany’s aging population and labor shortages. In doing so, she provided a lifeline to those of us who had lost everything and needed a fresh start.

For me, defending Merkel’s legacy is not about supporting a particular political party; it is about recognizing and protecting the values she embodied—values of compassion, inclusion, and responsibility. It is about ensuring that Germany remains a place where people like me can find refuge, rebuild their lives, and contribute to society.

As someone deeply inspired by German philosophy, especially the words of Friedrich Schiller, “Alle Menschen werden Brüder, wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt,” I believe in the vision of a world where all people become brothers, united by shared humanity. Merkel’s actions, though motivated by different beliefs and circumstances, resonate with this ideal.

A Legacy Worth Defending: The Responsibility of Those Who Found a Home in Germany

Angela Merkel’s legacy is one of profound inclusion, economic strength, and compassionate leadership. The countless stories of young professionals and refugees who have found a new life in Germany stand as living proof of the opportunities her chancellorship created. These individuals are not just participants in Germany’s economy; they are the beating heart of its cultural and social diversity, helping to ensure that Germany remains a vibrant, dynamic, and welcoming place to call home.

For those who have found safety, opportunity, and a fresh start in Germany, there is a deep and personal responsibility to protect the political sacrifices that Merkel made for them. Merkel’s policies opened doors to a better life, but the stability and peace they now enjoy cannot be taken for granted. The rise of anti-immigrant sentiment, the resurgence of nationalism, and the growing efforts to dismantle the progress made under Merkel’s leadership are real and present threats to everything that has been achieved.

Every refugee who has found Germany to be a safe haven carries a duty to defend this legacy. This is not just about living in Germany—it’s about embracing it as your own, standing up for it, and protecting it against those who might not yet see the value in sharing their homeland. Yes, there will be challenges—moments of feeling isolated, of not being fully accepted, of encountering those who wish for a more exclusive society.

But if Germany feels like home, even just a little, then it must be defended as home. If you have ever done anything good for Germany, regardless of how big or small, this country is your home as well. Make it your home, feel at home, and defend your home.

Defending Merkel’s legacy is more than just political advocacy; it is a profound way to repay the opportunity that Germany has provided. It’s about ensuring that future generations—whether they are born here or arrive as refugees—can also find a place where they can thrive, contribute, and belong. Honoring Merkel’s vision is more than just a tribute to her leadership—it is the most powerful way to defeat hatred, populism, and the rising tide of right-wing extremism.

As a foreigner in Germany, your duty is to embrace this country as “we” and “us,” no matter how many voices may try to tell you that you are not one of them. Your presence, your contribution, and your commitment to this society are what will transform those divisions into unity.

By standing together, by integrating fully into the fabric of German life, and by showing that inclusion and diversity are strengths, you prove to those who doubt that “yes, we can make it!” This is not just about surviving in a new country—it’s about thriving and helping to shape a future where everyone, regardless of their origin, can belong. It is about turning Merkel’s words into a living reality that cannot be denied by those who seek to divide.

Together, by claiming your place in this society and contributing to its future, you show that Merkel’s vision was not just a possibility but a promise that can and will be fulfilled. If you have ever contributed to Germany, no matter how big or small, this country is your home too. Embrace it as your home, feel at home, and defend it. Keep it as a place where everyone can belong.

Image Credit: nvd9612 available on pixabay.com