Government data shows that the number of deportations from Germany has risen significantly this year. Between January and September 2025, 17,651 people were deported an increase of nearly 20% compared to the same period last year, when 14,706 deportations were carried out.

According to the government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Left Party, the majority of those deported came from Turkey (1,614 people) and Georgia (1,379 people). Nearly one-fifth of the deportees 3,095 individuals were children or minors.

Clara Bünger, an expert on domestic policy for the Left Party, sharply criticized this development, telling the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung:

“When it comes to increasing the number of deportations, the authorities seem to have no limits. Mass deportations to a country like Turkey which represses leftists, Kurds, and dissidents appear to be no problem at all under the current political climate.”

Protests Against Merz

Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several German cities over the weekend following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s recent remarks about the “appearance of cities” in relation to migration.

Around 5,000 people were expected to take part in demonstrations on Saturday in cities such as Hamburg, Magdeburg, and Nuremberg. In Hamburg, protests began at 1 p.m., while similar gatherings were organized in other cities with hundreds of participants.

The protests come after thousands took to the streets earlier this week, condemning statements made by Merz, who said his government was working to correct “past mistakes in migration policy.” He added:

“But of course, we still have this problem with the appearance of our cities. That’s why the Interior Minister is facilitating and implementing large-scale deportations.”

Political Backlash

Merz’s comments sparked strong reactions across the political spectrum. Critics including members of the ruling coalition and even his own deputy chancellor warned that such language could deepen divisions in German society and fuel populist narratives.

Merz Clarifies His Remarks

On Wednesday, Merz clarified that his comments referred specifically to migrants without residence permits or legal employment who do not comply with German laws, not to immigrants in general.

He explained that his reference to the “appearance of cities” was intended to highlight the visible impact of irregular migration on urban environments, emphasizing that the government’s goal is to maintain a balance between security and social justice.