Scholz: Germany needs immigration for prosperity

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has warned against an overheated debate on migration and emphasized the importance of foreign skilled workers for the German economy. "If we want to secure our prosperity in Germany, we will continue to rely on workers and skilled workers from other countries in the future," said Scholz at an SPD election campaign appearance in Leipzig. In view of the shortage of skilled workers in many areas, maintaining prosperity or pensions would only be possible if everyone pitched in.

As an example, Scholz referred to the medical care of the injured after the attack in Magdeburg, which could not have been managed without the numerous doctors and nurses with a migrant background. "I think this must be taken into account when we talk about immigration and migration." Scholz appealed: "We must put ourselves before these hard-working fellow citizens and not leave them to fend for themselves."

Control instead of isolation

At the same time, the basic right to asylum enshrined in the Basic Law must continue to be safeguarded - especially in remembrance of the crimes of National Socialism. However, this does not mean that Germany cannot take measures to control irregular migration and ensure orderly procedures. Here too, "principles and clarity" are needed, emphasized Scholz. Neither the Basic Law nor European treaties should be called into question by a country like Germany.