Germany news: 'Daughters' protest after Merz remarks

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has made comments about migration and city images, sparking criticism. In a speech in London, Merz stated that people with migrant backgrounds are crucial to German society and will continue to be needed. He also mentioned issues with individuals without lasting residency status who can influence the image of cities, leading to problems for police. Merz's deputy, Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, criticized his choice of words. Meanwhile, politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party have been accused of filing parliamentary questions on sensitive topics as a way of spying for Russia. Official figures show that immigrant background workers make up a quarter of the German workforce, and many sectors would face severe staff shortages without them.

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