Overview
- Pressed again on Monday, the chancellor repeated his claim and told reporters to “ask your daughters,” then said on Tuesday the matter was already clarified.
- SPD general secretary Tim Klüssendorf called the rhetoric divisive, and Green leaders demanded an apology for what they described as stigmatizing language.
- CDU social wing leader Dennis Radtke urged a change of tone and argued deportations will not resolve problems like drug use, homelessness or youth disorder, while Baden‑Württemberg CDU chief Manuel Hagel called for verbal de‑escalation.
- CSU leaders Alexander Dobrindt and Markus Söder defended Merz, saying illegal migration has altered city centers and dismissing the uproar as word‑quibbling.
- Activists planned new demonstrations, including a registered “We are the daughters” rally at CDU headquarters in Berlin today, as the debate continues alongside strong AfD polling and a government push to increase returns.