First publication on the website of FÜR Karlsruhe. Co-signed by City Councillor Friedemann Kalmbach (FÜR Karlsruhe in the municipal council). The city of Karlsruhe is particularly affected by the campaign of the AfD Karlsruhe – which is why the statement also appears here.
As the voter community FÜR Karlsruhe, we would like to comment on the current events surrounding the distribution of so-called “deportation tickets” by the AfD Karlsruhe. This campaign has made negative headlines nationwide and stirred up fear and uncertainty.
We are concerned that such flyers create fear and discord. They give recipients the impression that they are not welcome – in a city that has been dependent on and benefited from immigration since it was founded. This does not correspond to our idea of respectful coexistence in Karlsruhe.
As a Christian community of voters, we are committed to charity and humanity. We believe that there must be better and simpler, legal ways to immigrate to Germany and Karlsruhe. We see the latest steps taken by the federal government, such as the introduction of dual citizenship and improved immigration processes, as positive developments. Immigrants contribute a great deal to our community – be it in the economy, in culture or in social life. We need these people, their skills and their perspectives to make our city fit for the future.
FÜR Karlsruhe stands for politics that listens, mediates and focuses on the common good. We want to create a city in which everyone can feel safe and welcome. This requires mutual respect and a willingness to approach one another.
We are aware that the AfD states that it only wants to address people who are obliged to leave the country with the flyer. Nevertheless, we consider this type of communication to be the wrong approach. Distributing such flyers can come as a shock to many people with a history of migration when they find them in their letterbox. It creates a climate of uncertainty that we do not want in our city.
Instead, let us work together to preserve and further develop Karlsruhe as a place that offers prospects and where we enjoy living together. We invite everyone to participate constructively in this process and to stand up for peaceful coexistence.
Friedemann Kalmbach, City Councillor FOR Karlsruhe in the municipal council
Micha Schlittenhardt, Chairman FOR Karlsruhe
