Alya was brought to tears upon hearing about the recent attack in Munich that tragically took the lives of a mother and her young child. “Why would someone do such a thing? I just can’t comprehend it,” she reflects.
The suspect in custody is an Afghan asylum seeker, adding to a series of attacks in German cities involving individuals seeking asylum. The recent incident in Munich follows another tragic event in Aschaffenburg last month, where a child and an adult lost their lives.
Alya, who arrived in Germany from Syria a decade ago with her infant son, now welcomes me into her home. Together, they were among the record 1.2 million asylum seekers who sought refuge in Germany between 2015 and 2016, predominantly from Syria but also from other conflict-ridden countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.
These attacks have placed a spotlight on security and migration issues, becoming central topics in the upcoming election as Germans prepare to cast their votes on February 23rd.
Despite the opportunities and support they’ve received in Germany, Alya expresses despair over the violence committed in a nation that has provided so much for her family. Their journey was first documented by the BBC a decade ago when they were residing in a refugee center in Oberhausen.
Looking back at a photo from 2015, Rami, now a young boy, recalls the perilous journey they undertook across the Aegean Sea to reach safety in Germany. His mother, Alya, has since remarried and trained in elderly care, while Rami attends a local school and nurtures dreams of a future career in medicine, law enforcement, or football.
As they reflect on their decade in Germany, both Alya and Rami note the changes in themselves and in the country. The scenes of refugees receiving warm welcomes at Munich train station in 2015 have evolved, with a shift in public sentiment and political attitudes over the years.
Alya, who speaks German fluently, acknowledges the importance of language in integration and expresses disappointment in refugees who have not made efforts to learn the language and fully assimilate. She also mentions a noticeable shift in the mood of the country, referencing instances of anti-foreigner sentiments.
In Oberhausen, Georg, a 66-year-old resident, voices concerns about radicalization and laments the deterioration of his city due to aging infrastructure and lack of investment. Many Germans share his desire for enhanced public safety and express disillusionment with the current political landscape.
As Germany navigates the complexities of immigration, integration, and security, individuals like Alya and Rami symbolize the resilience and aspirations of those who have sought refuge and a new beginning in the country.
Germany’s outgoing government has reinstated border controls in an effort to reduce the influx of asylum seekers, with opposition parties advocating for further measures. Georg acknowledges the complexity of the issue, emphasizing the importance of security irrespective of the ruling party, emphasizing the need for change.
Prior to the European migration crisis, Oberhausen was already a diverse city. Data from local government officials indicate that in 2010, 22% of Oberhausen’s population either were not German citizens by birth or had one immigrant parent. By 2016, this figure had increased to 28%, and the most recent data from 2023 shows a rise to 37%.
As one strolls through the city center, the contentious nature of Germany’s migration discourse becomes apparent. Demonstrations against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for its “remigration” stance advocating mass deportations, are a common sight. Tensions escalate as confrontations occur between AfD activists and individuals of color, leading to heated arguments and accusations.
Despite facing accusations of racism, an AfD campaigner denies any wrongdoing, claiming the comments were not intended in a discriminatory manner. The escalating political climate, fueled by the rise of the AfD and the hardening rhetoric of mainstream parties like the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, has exacerbated divisions within communities like Oberhausen.
Amidst the escalating tensions, individuals like Kwame and Prathep, who have grown up and contributed to Oberhausen, find themselves caught in the crossfire of the political debate. Their experiences highlight the challenges faced by marginalized communities in a society grappling with identity, belonging, and inclusion.
As the dust settles from the recent election, the fate of Germany’s migration policy hangs in the balance. The composition of the coalition government will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s approach to immigration, determining the future trajectory of one of Europe’s most pressing issues.
Against a backdrop of global unrest and upheaval, the plight of refugees and migrants fleeing conflict has dominated political discourse in Germany. The nation stands at a crossroads, tasked with balancing humanitarian obligations with domestic concerns and security considerations.
The current political landscape hints at a potential shift towards the right, both in policy and rhetoric. The rise of nationalist sentiments and anti-immigrant sentiments has been palpable, echoing a broader trend across Europe and beyond. The question now looms large: how will Germany navigate the complex terrain of migration in the coming years?
In the aftermath of the election, all eyes are on the negotiations taking place behind closed doors. The delicate dance of coalition-building will determine the contours of Germany’s future migration policy. Will the voices of compassion and solidarity prevail, or will the forces of populism and isolationism hold sway?
As the various political factions jockey for position and power, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of these deliberations will have far-reaching consequences, shaping the destiny of not only Germany but also the broader European Union.
Amidst the uncertainty and turmoil, one thing remains clear: the urgent need to address the root causes of displacement and forced migration. As waves of refugees continue to seek safety and sanctuary on European shores, the imperative for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to migration has never been more pressing.
In the corridors of power and on the streets of cities and towns, the debate rages on. From impassioned pleas for solidarity to strident calls for border controls, the spectrum of voices reflects the diversity of perspectives and interests at play.
In this pivotal moment, Germany stands at a critical juncture. The choices made today will reverberate for years to come, shaping the country’s identity and its place in the world. As the nation grapples with the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, the resolve to uphold its values of tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity will be tested like never before.
The future of Germany’s migration policy hangs in the balance, awaiting the verdict of political negotiations and the collective will of its people. In a world marked by uncertainty and upheaval, the path ahead remains uncertain, fraught with challenges and opportunities alike. The eyes of the world are upon Germany, watching and waiting to see how it will navigate the complex terrain of migration in the years to come.
