Hilary Clinton has come under fire for saying that in order to successfully tackle populism in Europe, politicians need to curb migration to the continent.
“I think Europe needs to get a handle on migration because that is what lit the flame,” she told the Guardian when asked about the rise of populists across Europe.
Clinton said that while she respected German leader Angela Merkel — considered one of the biggest advocates for migration into the EU — Europe needed to have a reckoning with migration in order to contain the populists.
"I think it is fair to say Europe has done its part and must send a very clear message — ‘We are not going to be able to continue to provide refuge and support' – because if we don’t deal with the migration issue, it will continue to roil the body politic,” she said.
Back in 2015, Europe saw just over a million people — fleeing from the war in Syria, instability in their home regions, and economic hardship — arrive on its shores. In the years since, right-leaning politicians and populists have railed against migration, using it to bolster their positions among the electorate.
However, migration to the EU states is actually down — way down. So far this year, less than 100,000 people have successfully made it to Europe.
Clinton's remarks were not well-received.
fair play spending two years reflecting on how you managed to lose an election to a banksy cartoon of a fascist, and then coming to the conclusion it was because you didn't promise to build an even bigger wall https://t.co/sjuYm6uhVU
Hilary Clinton: “If we don’t achieve their racist goals on their behalf then they’ve won” https://t.co/5b2MpyeOns
Her remarks were also seized upon by members of the far right in Europe, who have long advocated for reducing migration.
Hillary Clinton says Europe needs to curb mass migration. Yes, Hillary Clinton.
Even British politicians weighed in.
The moment we give in to right populism is the moment we lose. Let us stand not against migrants, but in unapologetic solidarity with them. They give so much to our economy, culture and way of life. https://t.co/5mjUY56rmy
People noted extending Clinton's logic was not great.
@soniasodha Using Hillary Clinton’s logic, Europe should curb feminism too since backlash against women’s rights plays a huge role in populism.
Hillary Clinton: America must curb gay marriage to stop right wing homophobia https://t.co/LVe9e97HkU
And a few people made this joke...
May we all strive to defeat fascists by *checks notes* becoming them? https://t.co/WqfTkf1p6f https://t.co/j3crqqt1Pq
Hillary Clinton believes the key to stopping populists is *checks notes* giving them what they want & playing to their xenophobia & racism https://t.co/k5dPmGWnGl
Perhaps Clinton isn't the best person to give advice on how to stop right-wing populism given that she lost to President Donald Trump, who is seen as a populist champion.
Well known stopper of right wing populists Hillary Clinton
Basically:
what https://t.co/UuNMX629hG
In response to the outcry, Clinton clarified her comments in a series of tweets on Friday afternoon, saying "On both sides of the Atlantic, we need reform."
"Not open borders, but immigration laws enforced with fairness and respect for human rights," she continued. "We can’t let fear or bias force us to give up the values that have made our democracies both great and good."
On both sides of the Atlantic, we need reform. Not open borders, but immigration laws enforced with fairness and respect for human rights. We can’t let fear or bias force us to give up the values that have made our democracies both great and good.
"Democracy hangs in the balance on both sides of Atlantic and we need to save it," she concluded. "Can’t just keep doing the same things."