Casablanca – German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters at a joint news conference with Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel that the uncontrollable influx of refugees will “occupy and change” Germany in the coming years.
Chancellor Merkel promised that Germany would do everything in its power to speed up asylum procedures and provide the refugees with suitable shelter. Therefore, Germany will spend an additional €6 billion, of which states and local governments will provide €3 billion while the federal government will contribute the remaining €3 billion.
Nevertheless, the chancellor made it clear that Germany will not be able to solve the conflict on its own, and that “it is time for the European Union to pull its weight.”
In the meantime, Chancellor Merkel praised all the local volunteers and citizens who have helped and are still helping refugees to feel welcome in the federal republic of Germany. Thus, she proudly said that this has “painted a picture of Germany which can make us proud of our country.”
Chancellor Merkel firmly stated that refugees in need of protection would receive it. On the other hand, refugees that do not have any rights for asylum will be sent home immediately.
Although Germany is currently the leading country hosting refugees, Mrs. Merkel told the reporters that “[Germany] will only manage to cope with these challenges if we rely on European solidarity.”
French President Francois Hollande recently declared that France will take in 24,000 refugees in response to the ongoing crisis. Equally important to note, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande both want the EU to develop a plan for each country to participate fairly.
