Multicultural attempts ‘failed’, claims Merkel

Attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany have 'utterly failed', German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on the 16 October 2010.

She said the so-called 'multikulti' concept - where people would 'live side-by-side' happily - did not work, and immigrants needed to do more to integrate - including learning German.

The comments come amid rising anti-immigration feeling in Germany.

In parallel, Germany announced plans on the 18 October 2010 to promote the integration of immigrants into society. Ideas include German language classes and speedier recognition of foreign diplomas.

Deutsche Welle, 18.10.10: Berlin announces plans to promote integration and attract skilled workers http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6123876,00.html

EUObserver, 18.10.10: Merkel stokes anti-immigrant discourse in Germany http://euobserver.com/9/31062

EurActiv, 18.10.10: Merkel's ethnic remarks add fuel to fire http://www.euractiv.com/en/culture/merkels-ethnic-remarks-add-fuel-fire-news-498867

PressEurop, 18.10.10: Mutti Merkel handbags Multikulti http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/364091-mutti-merkel-handbags-multikulti

Spiegel Online International, 18.10.10: Merkel's Rhetoric in Integration Debate is 'Inexcusable' http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,723702,00.html

BBC News, 17.10.10: Merkel says German multicultural society has failed http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11559451

France24, 17.10.10: http://www.france24.com/en/20101017-german-multiculturism-has-failed-says-merkel-potsdam-angela http://www.france24.com/en/20101017-german-multiculturism-has-failed-says-merkel-potsdam-angela

Spiegel Online International, 12.10.10: Searching for Facts in Germany's Integration Debate http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,722716,00.html

Deutsche Welle, 17.10.10: Chancellor Merkel says German multiculturalism has 'utterly failed' http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,6118859,00.html

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