"The look of German cities - or the 'Stadtbild' - has been at the top of the political agenda for nearly two weeks after Chancellor Friedrich Merz made controversial remarks that were widely viewed as racist. Now, a group of MPs from the Social Democrats (SPD), the junior coalition partner in Germany's government, are pushing for a safety summit to be held at the Chancellery, which they say would examine real problems affecting cities."
"Merz has been in the spotlight after saying there is "still a problem in the Stadtbild (cityscape)" and that's why the government is working to carry out more deportations. He then defended his comments and implied that young women in Germany were threatened by foreigners. Then late last week, following several demonstrations, Merz said that Germany needed immigration in the labour market, and that his remarks were aimed at migrants without a right of residence."
Calls for a Chancellery safety summit have emerged after Chancellor Friedrich Merz's 'Stadtbild' comments ignited debate about security, social cohesion and urban life. SPD MPs propose a summit bringing city leaders, police unions and community organisations to examine insecurity and division in public spaces and propose remedies. Merz said there is 'still a problem in the Stadtbild' and linked the issue to increased deportations, later clarifying his remarks targeted migrants without residence rights while also acknowledging labour-market immigration needs. Proposals include better lighting, targeted surveillance in hotspots and improved outreach services to enhance everyday safety.
Read at The Local Germany
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