"We can do it." One sentence that became a worldwide symbol for Germany's welcoming stance toward refugees. When then-Chancellor Angela Merkel of the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) spoke these words in the European summer of 2015, hundreds of thousands of people were on their way to Germany. Many came from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. They were received with a wave of solidarity and willingness to help. But 10 years later the mood in Germany has changed: skepticism and rejection prevail.
"We can do it." One sentence that became a worldwide symbol for Germany's welcoming stance toward refugees. When then-Chancellor Angela Merkel of the center-right Christian Democrats (CDU) spoke these words in the European summer of 2015, hundreds of thousands of people were on their way to Germany. Many came from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. They were received with a wave of solidarity and willingness to help. But 10 years later the mood in Germany has changed: