Angela Merkel now also in line with the N-VA

KU Leuven and Ghent University have awarded an honorary doctorate to German Chancellor Angela Merkel “in recognition of her diplomatic and political efforts to expand the political potency of Europe and to defend the values that allow our continent to find unity in diversity.” N-VA Chairman Bart De Wever too is drawing up a balance of her policy: “In her actions, Merkel is close to the N-VA line. The meaning of ‘Wir schaffen das’ has evolved, and I respect that. In the process of that evolution, Merkel has shown herself to be a true leader.”

It is not for me to agree or disagree with the awarding of an honorary doctorate by Flemish universities. KU Leuven and Ghent University justify the award as a general recognition of her long political career, a career that has yet to have run its full course.

In any case Angela Merkel has proven in the past that she is entirely capable of being a competent leader. In social-economic terms she has pursued the reform policy of her predecessor and made Germany the powerhouse of the European economy. Furthermore her approach to the euro crisis was the only correct one.

Capital mistake

However, her ‘Wir schaffen das’ remains a capital mistake. A politician constantly walks a fine line between personal conviction and a responsibility for the common good. The refugee crisis confronted Germany with its own troubled past, and in that context, emotions gained the upper hand.

With ‘Wir schaffen das’, she invited the whole world - not just Syrian refugees - to Germany. And in so doing, to all of Western Europe. The result was the migration of an uncontrollable stream of people in search of a better life, which is understandable and human. However, that stream exceeds the capacities of several European countries to absorb it.

Since that time reality has caught up with us all - including her. Everything I predicted in my guest lecture at Ghent has come to pass, and many of my proposals at the time have in the meantime either been introduced or are on the European policy table. Chancellor Merkel has also adjusted her policy to fit with that reality.

Evolution

Merkel has helped to stem the flow of refugees from the East. She herself now says that she would not repeat ‘Wir schaffen das’. What’s more, in the meantime, the German Minister of the Interior is advocating the ‘Australian solution’: push-backs to North Africa. A tougher stance is being taken against fraudulent asylum seekers and the borders are being controlled.

Merkel’s actions closely reflect the N-VA line: the external borders must be shut and the flow of refugees must be reined in. The meaning of ‘Wir schaffen das’ has evolved, and I respect that. In the process of this evolution, Merkel has shown herself to be a true leader.

Perspective

I don’t want to dwell any longer on the events of the past. Constantly rehashing things doesn’t do anyone any favours. I want to focus on the policy that Merkel is applying, a policy that dovetails with our own outlook in the area of asylum and migration. And I can only hope that Merkel can help to push through the policy she is currently championing in Germany at the European level too.

If we close the external borders, including hotspots where refugee triage takes place, if we organise more and better shelter in people’s own regions, if we carry out pushbacks on the Mediterranean, introduce a strict maximum limit and apply the Dublin rules, Europe will have prospects once again. Then we can turn our attention once more to bringing about peace, safety and justice both within and outside our borders. And that’s when we will truly be able to say, “Wir schaffen das”.