Merkel refuses to reverse immigration policy after series of attacks

(Baonghean.vn) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on July 28 firmly refused to reverse her stance on immigration policy after a series of brutal attacks recently.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a press conference today in Berlin. Photo: AP.

At a press conference in Berlin, Merkel said the attackers “wanted to undermine our sense of community, of openness and of helping those in need. We categorically reject that.”

Merkel cut short her summer vacation in the north to return to Berlin for her annual press conference, the first time she has answered questions since four brutal attacks in southern Germany, three of them carried out by asylum seekers.

The German Chancellor has faced criticism for her open-door refugee policy, which has allowed radical Islamic terrorism to take root in Germany.

At a press conference, Ms. Merkel affirmed that the attacks were "shocking, infuriating and sad" but that it was not a sign that the authorities had lost control.

“These acts can happen anywhere,” she said, referring to a series of deadly attacks in France, Belgium, Türkiye and the US state of Florida as well as Germany.

However, she also recalled that since the open border policy came into effect last year, Germany has received 1.1 million migrants and refugees, mainly from Syria.

“It is our historical responsibility and also the challenge of the globalization era,” she affirmed.

Meanwhile, opposition parties continue to criticize Merkel's policies as wrong and call for urgent action. German Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann also reiterated his proposal to limit the number of refugees entering Germany at a press conference today.

“Radical Islamic terrorism has come to Bravia. We are waiting for urgent action from the federal government and the whole of Europe – now is the time to act,” said Mr Joachim.

Thanh Huyen

(According to Guardian)