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4h ago

Merz Moves to Restart Deportations to Syria, Exposing Rift With His Foreign Minister

Only small, targeted removals are feasible under current law.

Members of the Syrian community wave Syrian flags on December 8, 2024 in Berlin, Germany, and celebrate the end of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's rule after rebel fighters took control of the Syrian capital Damascus overnight. Islamist-led rebels toppled Syria's longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in a lightning offensive that a UN envoy called "a watershed moment" for the nation marred by civil war. (Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER / AFP) (Photo by RALF HIRSCHBERGER/AFP via Getty Images)
Pedestrians in Berlin's Neukoelln district, a centre of the Arabic community
Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Syrians in Germany should return to help rebuild their war-scarred homeland
The huge influx of Syrian refugees peaked in 2015 under former chancellor Angela Merkel

Overview

  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the Syrian civil war over and said Germany will seek voluntary returns and proceed with deportations for those who refuse.
  • Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, after touring devastated areas near Damascus, said dignified returns are scarcely possible, then later backed deporting convicted offenders and supporting voluntary returns.
  • Conservative leaders in Berlin and several CDU state chiefs pressed for faster action as the AfD demanded revoking protected status and forced removals, intensifying internal party pressure.
  • The government is negotiating with Syria’s new leadership to enable deportations, yet recent European experience shows only isolated cases, such as Austria’s July removal of a convicted criminal.
  • Official data indicate 920 Syrians lack temporary permits and 9,780 are required to leave but hold temporary permits out of roughly 950,000 Syrians in Germany, while NGOs report rising fear and many residents cite jobs, families and integration for staying.