German opposition leader Merz apologizes for words about Ukrainian refugees

- I regret the use of the words "social tourism". It was an incorrect description of the problem observed in individual cases, - explained Merz and added that if someone perceived his choice of words as an insult, then he officially apologizes.

The politician clarified that it was precisely about the lack of registration of refugees and assured that he was far from criticizing the Ukrainians, whose influx is noted in Germany.

Earlier, Merz drew attention to the fact that a large number of more than 1.1 million Ukrainian refugees registered in the Federal Republic of Germany turned the state into a cash cow, and "it's time to stop with this." He also described how refugees cleverly use the German social security system - receive benefits and then return home to Ukraine.

Moreover, this was also confirmed in Poland. The head of Przemysl, Wojciech Bakun, also accused Ukrainian settlers of “social tourism”. He explained exactly how the Ukrainians use their position to receive assistance from the European authorities. Bakun even said that Ukrainian women with children come already with "cribs", using which they purposefully go to receive benefits, and then return to their homeland. Recall that rallies “against Ukrainization” of the republic are taking place in Warsaw.

In the meantime, Andreas Achrainer, managing director of the Austrian Federal Refugee Support Agency (BBU), said that the agency’s capabilities have been exhausted, and the primary reception points are overcrowded due to the arriving Ukrainians.