Open Arms in 2015
In September 2015, Angela Merkel uttered the phrase that would define her legacy: “Wir schaffen das.” We can do it. Germany opened its borders as war drove Syrians, Afghans, and Iraqis into exile. That year saw more asylum applications than ever before.
Many Germans cheered. Others bristled. To some, the country had stretched its heart wide open. To others, the doors had been flung too far.
A Shift in Mood
The numbers tell the story. In 2017, 84% of migrants said they felt welcome. By 2023, only 65% felt that way. Refugees are not alone in noticing the change. One in five Germans now votes for the far-right AfD, a party that barely registered before 2015.
Violent crimes linked to refugees fueled fears, and local communities complained of strain. The political temperature rose.
The Economic Paradox
And yet, Germany needs migrants. Hospitals are full of Syrian doctors. Refugees keep the economy moving at a time of labor shortages. Studies show employment rates among 2015 arrivals are now on par with German citizens. Families once displaced by war have become citizens, taxpayers, and neighbors.
Merkel herself still defends her choice. She admits the decision polarized the country and strengthened the AfD. But she insists it was right. Humane. Necessary.
Politics After Merkel
Her successors are less certain. Current CDU leader Friedrich Merz argues Germany “didn’t make it.” His government has tightened asylum laws, reintroduced border checks, and fought legal battles over migration policy.
The contradiction is sharp. Politicians argue for tighter control while also pleading for skilled labor. They want fewer “uncontrolled” arrivals but faster tracks for those who can work.
The Divide That Will Not Heal
The refugee debate has become Germany’s fault line. In parts of the east, the AfD has surged to first place. Upcoming regional elections could cement migration as the country’s fiercest dividing line.
But inside many homes, schools, and workplaces, the story looks different. Refugees are doctors, engineers, and citizens. They are raising children who speak German as their first language.
Ten years later, Germany is still balancing on the edge of Merkel’s promise. Did they make it? Half the country says yes. The other half still says no.