Dr. Andreas Philippi, Lower Saxony's Minister for Labour and Integration, reflects on the transformation of immigration discourse in Germany over the past decade. Once marked by empathy, as evidenced during the 2015 refugee crisis, the narrative has since turned toxic. Despite significant demographic changes and the potential value of foreign workers, rising far-right sentiments and fear dominate public debate. Philippi highlights the challenges posed by negative media coverage and public sentiment, which contribute to distrust towards migrants, complicating ongoing integration efforts.
"You may remember the Chancellor (Angela Merkel) saying, 'We can do this,' and it worked wonderfully because we were a strong country that had built itself up over decades."
"Fear in people's minds remains. Fear of foreigners, fear of change... the media coverage reinforced this primal fear of the 'other'."
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