Credit:UN/DPI Photo by Sergey Bermeniev

Joschka Fischer

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Germany believe a recent controversy will negatively affect their foreign minister, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern and RTL. 42 per cent of respondents believe Joschka Fischer's position is now weaker.

Fischer is the leader of the Green Party (Grune). The Greens are currently a coalition partner—with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of current chancellor Gerhard Schroeder—in Germany's federal administration.

In February, Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel criticized Fischer for signing a directive that eased regulations on visas granted by German embassies and consulates. Merkel contends the decision allowed illegal immigrants to enter the country.

On Apr. 25, Fischer appeared before a parliamentary committee to explain the problems. The foreign minister acknowledged mistakes in the granting of visas to applicants from the former Soviet Union, saying, "I should have been informed earlier and reacted earlier." Still, Fischer dismissed the assertion that security was breached, adding, "The idea that the country was flooded with criminals is simply a propaganda theory of the opposition."

Polling Data

What is your opinion on foreign minister Joschka Fischer after he testified to the parliamentary inquiry on visa restrictions?

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