"We are not burqa," minister tells "new Germans"

Germany is the final destination for many migrants and refugees from the Middle East; the message to these "new Germans" is to integrate as soon as possible.

Izvor: B92

Wednesday, 03.05.2017.

12:33

(Getty Images, illustration purposes, file)

"We are not burqa," minister tells "new Germans"

"We shake hands when we greet. In everyday life, it is important to us whether we are looking at a friendly or a sad face. We are an open society. We are not a society of the burqa. Church towers are a feature of our landscape. Our country is shaped by Christianity," said De Maiziere wrote in his article published in Bild am Sonntag under the headline, "We are not burqa."

Merkel's ally believes that those migrants who refuse to accept Germany's values will not be able to properly integrate into society, and risk becoming isolated.

According to him, Germany is "a nation of culture" - while "hardly any other nation on the planet is shaped by culture and philosophy to such a degree."

"Germany has had a huge impact on the cultural development of the whole world. Bach and Goethe belong to the world, and they were Germans. We have a special understanding of the importance of culture in our society," said De Maiziere.

The editorial, which has been met with criticism of his political rivals as "a cheap attempt to pick up anti-migrant votes," but also as "counterproductive," lists a set of rules governing German society, and brings the concept of "leitkultur" ("dominant culture")- back into the public discourse.

"Our country is shaped by Christianity. We live in religious peace and the basis of that is the law having absolute priority over all religious rules. We are a part of the West, proud Europeans and enlightened patriots. People who love their country and do not hate others. The flag and the anthem are the foundation of our identity," wrote De Maiziere.

According to him, there are "ten points of social habits" from which one does not deviate - including shaking hands, the attitude towards education, sports and arts, Bach, Goethe, and traditions such as folk festivals and carnivals.

"We are the heirs of our history, with all the ups and downs. We are perhaps the most European country in Europe. No country has more neighbors than Germany," De Maiziere said.

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