The problem of immigrants is topical in both countries, but in different ways. In Germany, the integration process of foreigners is hindered primarily by the language barrier. In France, the majority of foreigners are from former colonies and know the language of their new homeland, which does not prevent them, however, from burning the cars of law-abiding citizens and building barricades in their ghettos.
The politicians tried to explain to children in simple terms the meaning of the immigration policy being pursued in their countries. It turned out that the French, as emotional people, trust the call of the heart more. 'Everyone who comes to us must love France,' Nicolas Sarkozy told the high school students (fortunately, he did not go into the details of what could happen to a foreigner who does not love France enough). And the Germans, as always, rely not on emotions but on the voice of reason: it is enough for them that foreigners can freely express themselves in German. 'And in this sense, our policy must remain firm,' said Angela Merkel.
She emphasized how important it is to ensure that children of migrants in the second and third generations living in both countries have the same opportunities as other children. To which the French president did not fail to note that immigrants have not only rights but also obligations. 'Many foreigners are used to only demanding – give us work, give us money, give us hope. But that won't work. Integration is like football: there are clear rules. Therefore, we will not allow polygamy, headscarves in public institutions, or female genital mutilation,' summed up the French head of state.
Many experts note an obvious difference in the character of the politicians: restraint combined with an analytical mind in Merkel and the impulsiveness of a man of action in Sarkozy. Nevertheless, the manner of dialogue between the two leaders, when conflictual topics are placed on the negotiating table, is considered by many to be more beneficial for the development of relations than the polite agreement of Jacques Chirac and Gerhard Schröder.
The discussion at the Berlin lycée was just one of the events taking place in the German capital as part of the joint council of ministers meeting of the two countries. For the heads of foreign affairs of Germany and France, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Bernard Kouchner, a more interesting activity was devised: in a recording studio, they sang a duet of a song about Germany composed by a German of Turkish origin.
By the way, during the visit of the German and French leaders to the school, a 25-year-old young man attacked Merkel. Security reacted instantly, and the chancellor was not harmed. Apparently, the attacker did not intend to harm anyone; he only shouted slogans against the establishment of total surveillance of citizens. This is a reaction to measures designed to facilitate police and intelligence agencies' access to information about citizens' private lives.