By South Front on July
9, 2016
…from SouthFront
Schroeder had left Merkel an
impressive legacy: a stable country, a growing economy, good relationships with
the leading countries of the world. How has “die Eiserne Kanzlerin” made use of
them? Down which path have 11 years of Merkel’s brand of democracy led Germany
and Europe?
Despite the fact that Germany is
Europe’s economic leader and retains the final word in EU policies, Merkel’s
failures in internal and foreign policy are becoming more obvious. Of course,
at first glance, the Chancellor succeeded in reducing the level of unemployment
in Germany and brought the economy to a path of growth after the recession of
the post-crisis period, but the situation in the country continues to
deteriorate each day.
Confused foreign policy and the
lack of political will have led to a massive influx of migrants from the crisis
regions of the Middle East and North Africa. The migrants, in addition to
causing a financial burden on the budget, are destabilizing the traditional
German society by creating a demographic imbalance.
It is well-known that the German
population is steadily declining by nearly 100,000 people per year. The influx
of migrants has arrested this process, but it is unable to eliminate the
tendency altogether. Germany’s mortality rate continues to exceed the birth
rate. According to the Federal Statistical Agency, the average woman in Germany
in recent years has borne 1.4 children. A higher birth rate – 1.6 children per
woman – would have slowed this trend down, but it would not be able to halt it
entirely. The number of deaths is projected to rise. It is accordingly evident
that Merkel’s demographic policy has failed.
The crime situation is worsening
with the influx of migrants. Although migrants make up just over 10% of the
population, they account for just over 25% of crimes that are committed, though
some sources place this number as high a 30%. In addition, foreigners commit
more than 80% of all violent crimes. However, the authorities prefer to keep
silent about this data, in order not to provoke further anti-migrant backlash.
Dozens of Middle East- and Africa-based organized crime clans have taken
thieves, robbers and drug dealers all over Germany under their wing. To make
matters worse, German cities are overflowing with drugs and the mortality rate
from drug use is increasing rapidly. In 2015, this figure had risen to 20%.
The worsening crime situation has
increased the demoralization among the police. For example, there are some
policemen who are afraid to act in the so-called ‘zones of lawlessness’ in
Duisburg, as they know that any attacks on them by the people from the Middle
East will remain unpunished. Germany has gone from being the centerpiece of the
European welfare state to the epicenter of the continent’s organized crime.
However, German intelligence services deserve credit for preventing major
terrorist attacks in the country. It is possible, however, that there exists a
tacit understanding that obligates criminal organizations to suppress terrorist
activities in exchange for certain freedom of action.
The environmental situation is
another area which is deteriorating due to the influx of migrants. Many of the
migrants are simply not accustomed to using trash bins, let alone a
sophisticated recycling system. Piles of garbage and sewage are now visible
along the highways throughout the country.
Despite Germany’s image as of one
of the pillars of democracy in the world, the freedom of speech in the country
continues to suffer from major restrictions. It is practically impossible to
publish an article in the local media which is contrary to government policy.
Article submissions are blocked at the editorial level.
There are also numerous gaps in
the country’s foreign policy. During Merkel’s reign, Germany was unable to
appropriately respond to crises that occurred at the EU borders. Merkel’s slow
and hesitant foreign policy has led to hundreds of thousands of victims in the
once-stable states. Military intervention in Libya, and the subsequent
strengthening of the terrorists in this country and in the region, are the
result of Germany’s inactivity. Despite criticism of Russia concerning Syria,
Merkel herself was not able to put forward constructive initiatives to resolve
the crisis. Inconsistent German policy towards Ukraine has led this country to
civil war. It would be pertinent to recall that Mr Steinmeier, the German
Foreign Minister, was one of the guarantors of the agreement signed between the
former President of the Ukraine Yanukovych and the Maidan opposition, although
the German side was evidently not going to insist on its implementation. The
subsequent civil war has led to thousands of casualties among the civilian
population of Ukraine, and the sanctions significantly damaged the relationship
with one of Germany’s main foreign trade partners – Russia. In general, the
entire system of European security has been undermined.
Undoubtedly, there are reasons
why Germany pursues this type of foreign policy: Merkel is under tremendous
pressure from the United States. She has to seek balance between the interests
of her people and Washington’s demands. The fact that most of Germany’s gold
reserves are situated in the US should not be underestimated. In addition,
several hundred US military bases (287) are deployed in Germany, although the
line of confrontation with its main geo-political rival of the West – Russia –
had shifted far to the East a long time ago. At the same time, the Bundeswehr’s
personnel strength, after the latest reduction in numbers, has reached the
lowest figure in its history with 177,000 men, while in the country, there are
over 40,000 US troops. Obviously, in such circumstances, Germany cannot pursue
an independent foreign policy and resist the will of the United States. The
rapprochement between Russia and Germany is a direct threat to US dominance in
the Euro-Atlantic area.
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