Friedrich Merz has reaffirmed his earlier statements concerning migration, asserting that a significant number of Germans and Europeans feel apprehensive about being in public areas.

Merz has dismissed the objections raised by certain German political factions regarding his government’s firm approach to undocumented immigration.

“However, this issue persists within our urban environments, which is why the federal interior minister is enabling and conducting extensive deportations,” he stated during a visit to Potsdam the previous week.

This declaration sparked a strong negative reaction, with some individuals alleging that the German leader’s remarks were racist. He refuted these accusations while attending a Western Balkans summit in London, emphasizing that migrants represent “an essential component of our workforce,” according to German news outlet DW News.

He further stated that many people in Germany and beyond are nevertheless “apprehensive about moving in public areas” because of migrants “who lack permanent residence status, are unemployed, and fail to adhere to our rules,” the publication reported.

“I am uncertain if you have children. Should you have them, and if daughters are among them, I suggest you inquire of your daughters what my intended meaning might have been. I anticipate you will receive a rather clear and unequivocal response. There is nothing I feel compelled to withdraw,” he stated when questioned about whether he would retract his previous comments.

A petition challenging Merz’s remarks has been signed by various individuals, including Marie Nasemann and environmental activist Luisa Neubauer.

“This nation has roughly 40 million daughters. We possess a sincere desire to ensure our safety receives serious consideration,” Neubauer posted on Instagram. “However, we have no interest in being exploited as a pretext or rationale for statements that proved ultimately discriminatory, racist, and profoundly damaging.”