- Germany could benefit from having a figure akin to Donald Trump, according to Heino.
Old singer Heino (85, recognized for "Schwarzbraun ist die Haselnuß"), expresses a desire for Germany to have a leader similar to former US President Donald Trump. As stated by "Bild" newspaper on a Wednesday, Heino mentioned, "Germany needs a Donald Trump who eventually tidies up our nation and disregards the perspectives of his adversaries." He added, "Someone who can also be vocal, yet remains firm and prioritizes the welfare of his country and its inhabitants." Trump is running again as the Republican candidate in the US presidential election on November 5.
Heino discussed further, expressing his belief that others share similar sentiments, but are hesitant to express it. "Bild" continued, "Everyone is afraid of social shunning. I personally don't care. I'm 85 years old and stand by my convictions. I don't want our charming country to fall into ruin."
Heino also addressed the ongoing discussion about immigration regulations and deportations. "It's inconceivable that you can't venture out in Germany anymore without fear of being attacked," the newspaper quoted the folk musician. "Something must finally be done about criminal migrants. By that, I mean mass deportations. Anyone who resorts to violence in our country has no place here and must depart."
Heino's Career Controversies
Throughout his lengthy career, Heino has sparked controversies – for instance, when he recorded all three verses of the German national anthem upon request from the then Baden-Württemberg Minister President and former Nazi judge Hans Filbinger (CDU) in the 70s. The record was intended as an educational tool, Heino defended. Criticism also arose when he performed in South Africa during an UN embargo during the apartheid era in the early 80s.
In 2021, he responded resolutely when his "German song evening" was labeled "tame" in his home town of Düsseldorf. After a meeting with the mayor, Heino was granted permission to promote his concert as planned.
Intensified Debate on Migration and Deportations
The discourse on irregular immigration and deportations has intensified in Germany due to various violent incidents. In Solingen, a suspected Islamist killed three individuals at a city festival in August and injured eight more. A 26-year-old Syrian is currently in custody for the crime.
The nationwide crime statistics recorded 214,099 instances of violent crime last year, an increase of 8.6% since 2022. Violent crime encompasses murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual coercion, robbery, and bodily harm. In the pre-Corona year 2019, the crime statistics recorded a total of 181,054 cases of violent crime in Germany.
Heino expressed his support for stricter immigration regulations in Germany, stating that mass deportations of criminal migrants are necessary to ensure safety for the country's inhabitants. In his past, Heino also faced controversies, such as recording the German national anthem for a Nazi judge and performing in South Africa during the apartheid era.
