The recent comments by CDU leader Friedrich Merz regarding the changing character of German cities have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from within the Turkish community in Germany. Gökay Sofuoglu, chairman of the Turkish Community in Germany, accused Merz of attempting to deliberately inflame divisions rather than engage in constructive dialogue about societal challenges.
Sofuoglu argued that the visible signs of urban decay – increasing poverty, visible homelessness and shuttered businesses – stem from systemic socio-economic issues, a direct responsibility of the government, rather than reflecting any inherent issue relating to cultural diversity. He emphasized the need for focused policy solutions, rejecting what he termed “side conflicts” that serve only to exacerbate tensions.
The criticism was underscored by a stark demographic reality. Sofuoglu highlighted the statistics from Stuttgart, where a significant 60% of those under the age of 18 have a background of migration, portraying a community living peacefully alongside one another. This statistic, he suggested, directly challenges narratives that attempt to link demographic shifts with societal problems, demanding a more nuanced and fact-based approach to understanding urban transformation. The exchange has ignited a debate about the role of rhetoric in addressing complex social and economic issues and the potential for political discourse to exacerbate existing divisions within German society.