Merkel refuses to cap refugees coming to Germany despite increase in migrant crime

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that limiting the flow of refugees into Germany from Middle Eastern and North African countries will not happen during an annual interview broadcast on Germany's ARD.

"As far as an upper limit is concerned, my position is clear: I will not accept it," she said during the interview.

According to Germany's Deutsche Welle, Merkel, who leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has taken this stance is in opposition to the more conservative Christian Social Union (CSU). Merkel needs the support of the CSU to win the upcoming September election.

"The cap is and remains a goal of the CSU," Seehofer said.

CSU leader Horst Seehofer previously stated that he would not enter into a coalition with Merkel and the CDU unless a 200,000 limit to refugees is put in place. However, CNN reported that he has since softened on this issue, and refused to make immigration limits a deal breaker.

During her interview, Merkel highlighted the common ground the CDU shares with the CSU, saying both want to "fight the causes of migration.

"And I believe we will achieve what we want. And without any kind of cap," Merkel said.

According to DW, opinion polls indicate Merkel will win her re-election in September.

Migrant crime within Germany has gotten its fair share of media attention for its out of control growth. It has also earned the ire of President Donald Trump, who called Merkel's migration policy "catastrophic" in March, according to the Mirror.

According to Express, refugees committed more than 200,000 crimes in 2015, increasing crime committed by refugees by 79 percent from 2014. In 2016, The Telegraph reported that from 2015 to 2016, migrant crime rose by another 50 percent.