German CDU says immigrants must 'conform'

Angela Merkel: Immigration, but not at any price

By Rob Broomby in Berlin

Germany's main opposition party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has acknowledged that the country, with its ageing population, needs immigrants.

But in a new policy document, the CDU says immigrants must conform to what it calls the leading culture of Germany, by learning the German language and adopting German cultural values.

There has been an increase of anti-immigrant protests in Germany

The language of the report has irritated immigrant organisations, the CDU's political opposition on the right and people within the party.

Critics say the report will fuel prejudice.

The CDU leadership is increasingly vocal in its opposition to the idea of a multi-cultural society.

Right price

Under the former Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, the Christian Democrat slogan was simple: "Germany is not an immigration country."

Former Chancellor Kohl: "Germany is not an immigration country"

Now, in the words of his successor as party leader, Angela Merkel, the CDU says yes to immigration - but it is not at any price.

She said immigration could only succeed if it were regulated.

The proposal that foreigners would have to adapt to what one party leader called the German Leitkultur - the "lead" or "guide" culture - has prompted accusations of German supremacy and offended many foreigners.

Victory for the right

The leader of the CDU's immigration commission, Peter Mueller, said the phrase was unhelpful and unnecessary and that he would never use it.

But after an intense nationwide debate, the controversial words remained in the document - a key victory for the right of the party.

The German Institute for Economic Research estimates that the country needs up to 250,000 foreigners every year to fill the skills gap and, in many cases, pay for the pensions of an ageing population.

It is a potential culture shock for German society.

But in insisting that newcomers integrate and subscribe to the mainstream values of German society, the CDU is trying to sell immigration to a people deeply sceptical about another influx of foreigners.