A wide-ranging study shows that says 84% of migrants in Germany felt welcome in 2017, while only 65% felt that way in 2023. It comes as Germany marks ten years since Angela Merkel welcomed refugees, saying "Wir schaffen das", or "we can do it."
In 2015, Germany welcomed a record number of refugees, driven by war in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s “Wir schaffen das” - meaning "we can do it" - became a symbol of hope. A decade later, tensions have risen. Support for the far-right AfD has surged, fueled by concerns over crime and integration. Yet, Germany faces a labor shortage and relies on migration. While many refugees have successfully built new lives, experts say more must be done to foster community cohesion.
Report: Ralph Martin
First published: August 31, 2025
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