Germany discusses Islam
Horst Seehofer's claim that Islam does not belong to Germany has unleashed a heated discussion. German Chancellor Angela Merkel responded by saying that not only have the Muslims who live in the country become part of German society, but their religion too. What do commentators have to say about Seehofer's statement?
Seehofer does not belong in the Cabinet
After this blunder, Seehofer should resign, writes the Daily Sabah:
“The saddest part of the whole thing: in his capacity as the interior minister of Germany Seehofer is indirectly supporting discriminatory activities against Muslims - and that at a time when attacks on Muslims are on the rise in Germany. He should simply step down from his office after such a scandalous statement. While in Seehofer’s case the Muslims in Germany have once again been disappointed by the German state, Merkel’s stance has been gratifying. She has proven once more that she is a chancellor who truly represents everyone in Germany. Hopefully the interior minister will have learned his lesson.”
Seehofer is endangering peace in Germany
The German Interior Minister is acting against the logic of his post, the Süddeutsche Zeitung comments:
“It is right, important and good news that Seehofer wants to continue the Islamic Conference. But he can't promote the misconception that he wants to rid the country of Islam at the same time. ... The issue here is that an interior minister is not supposed to destroy domestic peace. He must promote it. And to ensure peace he needs Islam as a partner. He also needs it to counter Islamist aberrations. The de-radicalisation of the Islamists can only succeed with the help of the Muslims living in Germany, with the help of prevention networks, mosque communities and Muslim authorities.”
Islam does not belong to Germany
Horst Seehofer did not say anything wrong, claims the taz on the other hand:
“Islam does not in fact belong to Germany. At least not as long as its recognition as a body has not been implemented, as it has with the Jewish community, the churches and the Jehovah's Witnesses. And as long as the guys in the Islam associations continue to prefer squabbling among each other to thinking about how the future of Islam in Germany will be without the interference and financial support of Islamic states, Islam will go on not belonging to Germany. And as long as all the members of the committees of the conservative Islam associations are men, who for their part rant and rave against liberal powers, Germany will not listen to Islam.”