Overview
- At the Süddeutsche Zeitung economic summit, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said returns to Syria are currently only very limited, citing a devastated Damascus with no electricity, water or sewage.
- He emphasized that criminal offenders and individuals deemed security risks must still be sent back, noting he raised the issue in Damascus with Syrian leader Ahmed al‑Scharaa.
- Union figures renewed their pushback, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously asserting there are no reasons for asylum for Syrians and faction vice chair Günter Krings urging the Foreign Office to state that destruction alone should not preclude deportations.
- Wadephul defended his stance as a sober on‑the‑ground analysis and highlighted successful integration stories in Germany, pointing to Syrian professionals such as his doctor and dentist.
- Separately, he said his postponed inaugural China trip will be rescheduled after a constructive call with Wang Yi, describing China as both partner and competitor and noting coordination with Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil.