Merz's 'Urban Landscape' Comments Divide Germans

Merz's comments on 'deportations' in urban areas have sparked a national debate. While many Germans see them as acceptable, a significant portion of younger voters and those from left-leaning parties disagree.

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2025 November 2 . 9:05 PM

1 min read

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Merz's 'Urban Landscape' Comments Divide Germans

Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent comments on the 'urban landscape' have sparked debate, with a significant portion of voters and Germans weighing in on whether the remarks pushed acceptable boundaries of speech in the 'party city'. On October 14, Merz suggested that 'this problem' in the urban landscape required more deportations. A majority of Germans, 58%, do not view this as a taboo breach. Similarly, 82% of CDU and CSU supporters and 50% of SPD supporters also reject this notion. The comment was less contentious in rural areas and suburbs, with 60% and 63% respectively not considering it a taboo breach.

However, 65% of Green Party voters and 61% of Left Party voters perceive the statement as pushing limits to the right. Among 18-29 year-olds, 38% criticize the comment, while only 35% believe Merz was merely expressing common thoughts. Merz defended his stance on October 20, stating that everyone acknowledges the issue, particularly after dark in the 'party city'.

The Chancellor's remarks have divided public opinion, with most Germans and supporters of major parties not considering it a taboo breach. However, a substantial number of Green and Left Party voters, as well as younger Germans, view the statement as shifting acceptable discourse to the right in the 'party city'.