Merz honors guest workers, warns fear of foreigners poisons free society

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz honored Turkish guest workers at a ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the Germany-Turkey recruitment agreement, praising their contributions to Germany's industrial, cultural, and economic development. Merz stated that Turkish migrants helped build Germany's industrial foundation and enriched the country culturally, economically, scientifically, and culinarily. He condemned the term "remigration" as a disgraceful word and warned that fear of foreigners poisons free societies. The chancellor also addressed integration expectations, noting immigrants must follow democratic rules while Germans should offer equal opportunity and belonging. He referenced racist attacks in Mölln, Solingen, and Hanau, emphasizing Germany still needs skilled workers from abroad.