German chancellor criticised over crying refugee girl

[Surya Gayatri]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing criticism over her treatment of a young refugee who had been threatened with deportation.

At a forum for young people, Mrs Merkel tells the Palestinian girl, Reem, that not all migrants can stay in Germany and "some will have to go home".

Mrs Merkel then strokes Reem, who is now crying, on the back.

Reem had said she and her family had been waiting four years to gain permanent residency in Germany.

Within hours of the video being broadcast, the term #Merkelstreichelt (Merkel strokes) trended on Twitter.

Some social media users complained that Mrs Merkel had "petted" the girl and failed to show enough sensitivity, although others defended the leader's reaction.

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She's getting some really rough treatment in the social media.

I think her heart is in the right place, but she's tied herself to a reactionary, rigid government coalition, so she can't listen to her 'better angels' for her own political survival.

[DetlefK]

1. I totally don't get what the fuzz is all about.

She told the girl that there are rules for immigration into Germany and there aren't exceptions. And the thought of going back made the girl cry.


WTF was Angela Merkel supposed to do different than telling it like it is?

[NJCher]

2. here we go again

Angela Merkel, new public shaming target.

"How One Stupid Tweet Blew Up Justine Sacco's Life" is now "How One Misapplied Sympathy Gesture Blew Up on Angela Merkel."


Cher

[Surya Gayatri]

4. That's exactly why I don't go near facebook or twitter.

Much too much scope for morons to express mind-numbing, unfounded opinions, that then get 're-tweeted' instantaneously around the world.

A gesture of comfort becomes an unfeeling, callous dismissal, and goes 'viral' in a mouse click.

[Surya Gayatri]

3. But, the optics are not good--'lovely, weeping, fluent-

German speaking child bullied by mean Chancellor'...don't cha know?

[DetlefK]

5. A co-worker of mine is giving german-courses for immigrants.

He told me that each prospective immigrant has his case checked individually. It's not enough to come from a country where there is war. The case-worker also checks whether there is war near the village you are from. If you are from the other half of the country where there's relative peace, your chances sink dramatically.

[Surya Gayatri]

6. Well, like the Chancellor said, there are thousands and thousands in refugee camps all over the

Middle East and Africa, and they can't ALL come here. That's patently obvious.

The heartbreak and dejection are not easy to see, nevertheless.