ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Rolf Mutzenich, leader of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), warned of economic risks posed by Donald Trump’s return to the White House and rising far-right influence at home, stressing concerns over job losses, trade tensions, and threats to democracy. “If he [Trump] imposes that definition, this could lead to job losses in Germany. We don't want this. We want free trade, especially when this trade is not at dumping prices because this could also be a result of Trump's policies,” Mutzenich told Rudaw on Monday. Commenting on Trump’s legal troubles, the SPD leader described him as “now a convicted criminal, the first one in the White House.” “What this means for our shared values and relationships, we cannot fully evaluate at this time,” he said. On the ongoing war in Ukraine, Mutzenich voiced skepticism over Trump’s claim that he could end the conflict swiftly, recalling the former president’s unsuccessful attempts at brokering peace on the Korean peninsula. “As you know, he was at the demarcation line at that time and also met several times with the North Korean regime in Asia, but was not successful,” he said. Germany’s domestic political landscape remains a challenge for the SPD, which has been losing support in the polls. Mutzenich acknowledged the difficulties of running an election campaign in winter but emphasized his party’s focus on job security, education, and youth programs. “These are the foundation of our country's future,” he said. He also criticized the increasingly popular, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), arguing that the party’s policies go beyond financial concerns and extend to broader societal discrimination. “It's about AfD's view of humanity. This isn't just their view towards those who have come to Germany,” Mutzenich said. He emphasized that the SPD aims to strengthen internal security, counter organized crime, and maintain a balanced immigration policy. “We want more skilled workers to come, because if not, we can't run our economy,” he said, but also noted that asylum seekers should return if their “protection is no longer needed and these people have neither work permits nor residence permits, then they must leave our country.” Reflecting on the broader state of democracy in Germany, Mutzenich voiced concerns about its fragility. “I am concerned about democracy. Democracy isn't a form of government that remains forever, but must be constantly fought for,” he said. He urged Kurdish voters in Germany to support the SPD, stating, “For those voters who have come to us from Kurdistan, I want to say, if you have found your home in our country - I know many people who have done so - please vote for a good Germany. I believe, as you know, the Social Democratic Party wants a good Germany.”
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