Although German chancellor Angela Merkel bought time, enforcing unity on refugee policy at the annual Christian Democratic Union party congress on Sunday, the rest of Europe is moving farther away from her ideals, according to Carnegie Europe analyst Judy Dempsey.
Merkel needs the unity and support to achieve victory in Germany's upcoming regional elections, according to Dempsey, but the source of the refugees remains unchallenged. At the same time, political movements across Europe seek to end refugee flows despite Germany's leading role in the bloc.
"The reality is that the exodus to Europe has no chance of ebbing while war and instability plague the Middle East and the so-called Islamic State continues to wreak havoc on lands it controls or seeks to conquer," Dempsey wrote.
"Such determination to stop Le Pen in this way does little to reduce the growing antipathy toward immigrants and the deepening malaise and insecurity of sections of society that feel threatened or marginalized. Le Pen is adept at exploiting these fears—as is Poland’s new government," Dempsey added.
Although Merkel opposed multiculturalism in her speech, it does not appear that it would be enough to hold voters, both in Germany and across the EU, according to Dempsey.
