Merkel ally: ‘Enlightened patriotism’ part of German culture

BERLIN – A senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party says “enlightened patriotism” should be part of Germany’s national culture.

Thomas de Maiziere, Germany’s interior minister, says Nazi-era nationalism and the hesitancy that followed “are all over now, especially for the younger generation.” He is proposing ten principles for German identity amid a debate about the country’s identity during a time of mass immigration.

Merkel’s centre-right Christian Democrats are hoping for a fourth election victory in the Sept. 24 national vote but face competition from the nationalist, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party.

A survey of 2,439 voters published Sunday by the weekly Bild am Sonntag found Merkel’s party leading the polls with 36 per cent support, ahead of the centre-left Social Democrats which had 29 per cent. The survey had a 3 per cent error margin.