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[POLITICS] · Germany, Romania · 27 sources

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AfD leader Alice Weidel sparks controversy over Romanian migrants

Alice Weidel, co-president of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has drawn significant criticism following statements alleging that Romanian migrants are “plundering” the German social welfare system. Weidel cited a documentary highlighting that social expenditures for Romanian citizens in Magdeburg have reportedly increased twentyfold, reaching approximately 3 million euros annually.

Romanian political leaders and officials have responded strongly to these claims. Sorin Grindeanu, president of the PSD, and Dominic Fritz, president of USR, both called for an apology, noting that over 500,000 Romanians work legally in Germany and contribute significantly to the economy and social security through taxes. Other officials, including Diana Iovanovici-Șoșoacă and Ilie Bolojan, emphasized that many Romanian professionals, such as doctors, provide essential services to German citizens.

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also reacted, stating it is monitoring discriminatory statements and rejects the political instrumentalization of Romanian communities within the EU. While the AfD uses these figures to advocate for radical migration policy changes, critics argue the rhetoric targets a community that is deeply integrated into the German labor market.

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Alice Weidel · Alternative for Germany · Andrei Gușă · Dominic Fritz · Germany · MDR · Magdeburg · Sorin Grindeanu

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