Angela Merkel taking a selfie with refugees
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she expects refugees arriving in the country to be willing to adapt. On the one hand, society should be open to migrants, which is why integration and language courses are organized. 'On the other hand, those who have come to us must respect what is written in our Basic Law, in other laws, that violence is not permissible, that we have freedom of religion and freedom of speech,' Merkel said in a video message released on Saturday, July 9.
As an example, Merkel called on refugees to be tolerant regarding German culinary traditions, such as the consumption of pork. Society should treat with respect when someone has certain needs or rules, the chancellor said. 'On the other hand, this should not lead to restrictions for those who follow other rules,' Merkel added.
Thus, as Deutsche Welle notes, she responded to proposals that, out of respect for Muslims, school cafeterias should no longer offer dishes containing pork. 'Tolerance lies in the fact that we are not obliged to change our culinary habits,' the chancellor remarked.
Merkel praised the recently passed integration law, calling it an opportunity for Germany. Integration, according to the chancellor, should be seen as an offer for migrants, but also as an expectation that they 'will learn the German language and abide by our laws.'