Overview
- The government says there is no dissent on policy and is preparing to resume removals to Syria starting with a small number of convicted criminals and security risks, though none have taken place yet.
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz argues the war is over and sees no grounds for asylum, promoting voluntary returns and confirming an invitation to interim president Ahmed al‑Scharaa for talks in Berlin.
- Johann Wadephul insists he has "no difference" with Merz, hopes for the first deportations "right soon," and reiterates that devastation in places like Aleppo makes large-scale returns unrealistic for now.
- Interior authorities have ruled out reconnaissance trips for protected Syrians, and officials note about 950,000 Syrian nationals currently live in Germany.
- Rights groups and UN agencies warn against rapid or mass deportations due to ongoing humanitarian needs, as coalition partners in the SPD and Greens urge case-by-case safeguards even as CDU/CSU figures press for tougher action.