Refugee Crisis: 'Merkel Has Lost Contact With Reality'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing increasing pressure as voters are doubtful that the government is able to tackle the refugee crisis.

According to Dr. Hubertus Hoffmann, founder of the online political magazine globalo.com, Merkel has always been popular due to her step-by-step approach and pragmatism.

But now "she lost contact with reality. And this is always something very dangerous," Hoffmann said in an exclusive interview with Radio Sputnik. "Anyone who dares to speak differently is being kicked out".

"Basically this is a typical mistake of people who get to powerful," the expert said.

According to official statistics, more than 1.1 million migrants and refugees arrived in Germany in 2015. Moreover, there are about 400,000 migrants who have not been registered and live in the country illegally.

"It is too much. I think Germany could absorb something like 200,000-250,000 each year." But that's the maximum amount, the expert said, adding that there is not enough housing and jobs for newcomers.

Recent studies revealed that in the worst case scenario Germany is expected to spend about 50 billion euros for refugees annually. Thus, spending for health care, accommodation, language courses and other expenses related to the migrants' inflow may reach an unprecedented level by the beginning of the next year.

According to the expert, Merkel's stance towards migrants could negatively affect the prospects of her party to win the next elections, as many voters will support other factions out of frustration.

Regarding Merkel's pressure on other states to take in refugees, Hoffmann said that it contradicts the democratic principles, which the EU is based on.

"If they don't want to take them, you have to accept this," the expert concluded.