President Steinmeier opposed discrimination against citizens of immigrant origin. He said, "This country belongs to everyone who lives here legitimately."

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke on immigration and integration issues ahead of the state elections. At the opening of a panel in Berlin, he emphasized that a clear stance must be taken against "racist ideology."

Steinmeier called for Germany to reject those who "dream of a radical withdrawal." He said, "As a country, we need immigration. If we want to be functional, we need immigration." Steinmeier stated that the Constitution's definition of "the German people" also includes Germans who arrived later, adding, "There are no first or second-class citizens."

The President emphasized that the Constitution does not recognize "a community of people consisting of the same blood." He noted that no privileges are granted to those referred to as "biological Germans." Steinmeier used the expressions, "What makes us German is not just the origin of our grandparents or the blood in our veins. What makes us German is citizenship, whether acquired by birth or naturalization, it is the language we share, the desire for peaceful coexistence in freedom, and the Constitution we uphold."

Steinmeier stated that he did not directly target the AfD, but his statements were perceived as a criticism of the party's anti-immigration stance. He expressed that Germany should not be dragged into an "us versus them" polarization. He also added that problems should be discussed openly, concerns taken seriously, and solutions sought "with an open heart and a clear stance."

President Steinmeier reiterated that Germany needs immigration for hospitals, nursing homes, care facilities, and many areas of the private economy. He acknowledged that immigration can be "demanding" for established citizens and municipalities. However, he added that immigration also strengthens local firms by helping them find good employees and engineers.

The President's panel titled "Home in Germany. How Do We Live Together?" was the first event held at his temporary office in Berlin due to renovation work at Bellevue Palace.