Angela Merkel’s legacy: 'Wir schaffen das' and its impact on Europe
Angela Merkel will be remembered by many for her iconic statement on August 31, 2015: “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this” or “We’ll manage this”), her response to whether Germany could handle the massive influx of migrants at the time.
That year, Germany welcomed over one million refugees. Merkel's open-door policy signaled confidence in Germany's ability to absorb and integrate large numbers of newcomers, year after year, helping them become responsible, integrated citizens.
However, this stance fueled the rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which capitalized on the public's discontent and became Germany's third-largest political force by 2017. Merkel faced criticism even within her own Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
This marked the beginning of a decline in the Franco-German axis, the foundational partnership of the European Union, which historically symbolized European solidarity. Political turbulence in both France and Germany, coupled with economic challenges such as Germany’s faltering economy and France’s mounting public debt, further weakened their leadership roles.
With Marine Le Pen gaining popularity in France and Germany’s political fragmentation, Europe’s future remains uncertain, raising concerns about its ability to navigate prolonged instability at a time when decisive action is essential.
Author: Dan Alexe
Translation by Iurie Tataru
