09 July 2016

Merkel: Germany should not change food culture for Muslim migrants

Germany should not feel pressured to change its meat-heavy food culture to accommodate the preferences of migrants, Chancellor Angela Merkel said in her weekly video podcast on Saturday.

"We have to make sure that the diversity of our offerings, as we are accustomed to them, continues to be maintained," Merkel said.

Society can respect if someone has certain customs or rules, she said. "On the other hand that should not lead to restrictions for those who have other rules," she said.

Merkel was asked in the podcast to comment on suggestions that German school canteens should stop offering meals with pork out of respect for Muslims, for whom the eating of pork and pig products is forbidden under religious law. [europe online] Read more