“Multiculturalism” in Europe : losing faith?
Synopsis Various European leaders have voiced their opinions and agreed that multiculturalism has failed in Europe. But what does the discourse actually mean? Commentary IN OCTOBER 2010, German Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that the " multikulti " approach to integration does not work in Germany. She stated that the policy to build a multicultural society with people of different backgrounds " living side by side " has " utterly failed ". Her comments came amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments in Germany, supported by a survey reflecting that 30% of Germans felt the country was " overrun by foreigners ". " Multikulti " elsewhere in Europe She was joined by British Prime Minister David Cameron who several months later argued a similar theme. In a speech in Munich he said the " doctrine of multiculturalism " has failed and only encouraged " different cultures to live separate lives, apart from each other and apart from the mainstream ". A week later, French President Nicolas Sarkozy echoed the same sentiments. He took the opportunity to reiterate his concerns on the need for better policies to promote cultural assimilation and ensure that immigrants follow the French model of political and cultural assimilation. Analysts and observers of such narratives across Europe also point out a commonality across the discourse of all three leaders: they generally highlight concerns pertaining to Muslim immigrants, although they are careful to distinguish between Islam and radical extremism. Nevertheless, it is not by sheer coincidence that Merkel's statements were made amid debates on Muslim immigrants. They followed the publication of former central banker Thilo Sarrazin's controversial book accusing Muslim immigrants of lowering the intelligence of German society. It also cannot be dismissed that Cameron singled out young Muslims for better integration to combat home-grown extremism. Sarkozy was even more blatant in directing at " Muslim compatriots " and the need for a " French Islam and not just an Islam in France ". What are the possible factors driving them to point to 'multiculturalism' as the source of their problems? RSIS Commentaries are intended to provide timely and, where appropriate, policy relevant background and analysis of contemporary developments. The views of the authors are their own and do not represent the official position of the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU. These commentaries may be reproduced electronically or in print with prior permission from RSIS. Due recognition must be given to …