German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday that he would not advise young people in Germany to move to the U.S. for work or study [1].
The remarks from a top European leader signal a shift in how Germany perceives the American quality of life and social stability. This perspective could influence the migration patterns of highly skilled German youth and impact bilateral cultural exchanges.
Speaking on May 15, 2026 [1], Merz mentioned his own family when discussing the risks. "I wouldn't recommend to my children today that they go to the US to study and work there," Merz said [2].
The Chancellor addressed a gathering of German Catholics in Würzburg, Bavaria, where he detailed his concerns regarding the current state of the United States [3]. He pointed to a deteriorating environment as the primary reason for his stance, an assessment that reflects broader concerns over safety and political volatility.
"The worsening social climate in America makes it unwise for our young people to move there for study or work," Merz said [3].
While the Chancellor did not list specific policy failures, his comments focused on the general atmosphere of the country. The statement comes as Germany continues to evaluate its strategic relationship with the U.S. amid shifting global dynamics.
Reports on the location of the remarks varied, with some sources placing the event in Würzburg and others reporting the statement from Berlin [2, 3]. However, the core of the message remained consistent across platforms, emphasizing a lack of confidence in the American social climate for the next generation.
“"I wouldn't recommend to my children today that they go to the US to study and work there."”
The Chancellor's comments reflect a growing skepticism within European leadership regarding the stability of the U.S. social and political fabric. By framing the advice through the lens of his own children, Merz elevates the issue from a policy critique to a personal warning, suggesting that the perceived risks of American social volatility now outweigh the professional and academic rewards of moving to the U.S.
