Scholz Slams Merz on Migration in Early Election Campaign Salvo

Merz's call for an upper limit on immigration draws criticism from Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has criticized the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Friedrich Merz, for his call to impose an upper limit on immigration to Germany.

In an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, Scholz said that Merz's proposal was "not a good idea" and that it would "harm Germany's economy and its reputation in the world".

Merz, who is seeking to become chancellor in the upcoming federal election, has argued that Germany needs to reduce the number of immigrants it accepts in order to protect its social cohesion and cultural identity.

Scholz: Upper limit on immigration would harm Germany's economy and reputation

Scholz, who is a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), said that he believes that Germany should continue to welcome immigrants, but that it needs to do so in a controlled and orderly manner.

He said that an upper limit on immigration would send the wrong message to the world and would make it more difficult for Germany to attract the skilled workers it needs to fill jobs.

Scholz also said that he believes that Merz's proposal is based on a false premise, namely that immigration is a threat to Germany's social cohesion and cultural identity.

He said that there is no evidence to support this claim and that, in fact, immigrants have made a positive contribution to German society.

Merz: Upper limit on immigration necessary to protect Germany's social cohesion and cultural identity

Merz has defended his proposal, saying that it is necessary to protect Germany's social cohesion and cultural identity.

He said that Germany has a responsibility to ensure that its citizens feel at home in their own country and that this can only be done if the country limits the number of immigrants it accepts.

Merz also said that he believes that an upper limit on immigration would help to reduce crime and social unrest.

The debate over immigration is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming federal election.