Merz Invites Syria’s Interim Leader as Germany Moves Toward Refugee Repatriation

Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited interim Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa to Germany to discuss the organized return of Syrians.
• Merz said Germany will continue deporting convicted criminals to Syria, with the interior minister tasked with detailing implementation.
• Berlin plans direct cooperation with Damascus to help stabilize conditions that would enable large‑scale returns.
• The approach follows Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s recent remark that returns are not viable in the short term, which fueled coalition disputes.
• German authorities count more than 950,000 Syrians living in the country, and Russia’s RDIF chief Kirill Dmitriev publicly endorsed Merz’s stance.