BERLIN: When the chancellor looks down while she is listening to what is being said, and especially when she crosses her arms, it means she doesn’t like what she’s hearing. How could she? For what Chancellor Angela Merkel was accused of, in front of an audience of 1,200 invited managers, could not have been stated more bluntly.
In his opening speech, Federation of German Industries (BDI) President, Ulrich Grillo, said that he expected more resolve in the refugee crisis. “It cannot be that scuffles arise over terms such as transit zones, or immigration centers.” Politicians have to stop being so self-absorbed. There is, he said, no time for fights among the ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and Social Democratic Party (SPD). “We need effective crisis management.”
Does Merkel need a coach?
The BDI president’s speech lasted 25 minutes. In it, Grillo glanced over obligatory subjects such as the energy transition, digitalization, free trade and the economy, but spoke mostly about the refugee crisis. Looking directly at the chancellor, who was seated in the front row, he called for more courage in conveying honesty. “We have to say how we intend to do this, and we have to give citizens the chance to join the discussion on the degree to which Germany wants to become a country of immigration,” said Grillo. Politicians must meet the challenge of clearly articulating that the refugee crisis can be managed, but that it will be difficult and will demand sacrifices from society. “Above all, integration will cost money.”
