Overview
- Friedrich Merz refused to retract his remark and reiterated support for expanded returns, invoking his “ask your daughters” line before declaring the matter settled today.
- CSU leaders Markus Söder and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt backed Merz, with Söder decrying a “left campaign” and Dobrindt calling the observation a reflection of public sentiment.
- CDU social wing chief Dennis Radtke said the approach raises false expectations and that issues like drugs, homelessness and youth disorder cannot be solved by deportations; Baden‑Württemberg’s Manuel Hagel urged verbal de‑escalation.
- SPD General Secretary Tim Klüssendorf warned the framing is divisive, and the federal integration commissioner Natalie Pawlik cautioned against stigmatizing shorthand on migration.
- Berlin police confirmed a feminist “We are the daughters” protest at CDU headquarters after a larger weekend rally, as the dispute unfolds against strong AfD polling before 2026 state elections.