Overview
- Government spokesman Stefan Kornelius said Merz stands behind Johann Wadephul and rejected reports that the minister faced covert resignation pressure.
- In the CDU/CSU group meeting, Wadephul defended his on-the-ground assessment after visiting Damascus, citing destruction that complicates near-term mass returns.
- Wadephul later clarified that he and the Foreign Office support returning criminals and security threats to Syria.
- Merz reiterated that he favors and expects the return of many Syrians to their homeland.
- Criticism continued from the party’s youth wing, with Hesse’s JU leader questioning Wadephul’s suitability and NRW’s JU leader calling for tighter chancellery coordination, while the SPD publicly defended the minister.