Germany to Start Deporting Syrian Refugees, Merz Says

A new phase has begun in German politics regarding the issue of Syrian refugees. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Berlin is preparing to review its approach to granting asylum to Syrians, up to and including carrying out deportations. This announcement marks a sharp change in the course that Berlin had adopted for many years amidst the humanitarian crisis.

"'The civil war in Syria is over. There is now absolutely no reason to grant asylum in Germany, and therefore we can begin deportations,' Deutsche Welle quotes Chancellor Merz as saying, characterizing the German government's new position." This statement effectively eliminates the legal and humanitarian basis on which the policy of providing protection to Syrian refugees was built. According to the Chancellor, the change in the situation in Syria allows and necessitates a review of Germany's obligations.

Friedrich Merz also expressed hope that a significant portion of the refugees will return to their homeland on their own initiative to participate in the reconstruction of their country. He emphasized that Syria today needs its citizens to restore the destroyed infrastructure and rebuild the state. This call can be seen as a message to the Syrian community living in Germany to take responsibility for their country's future. The government will apparently encourage voluntary return programs in an attempt to ease tensions and make the process more manageable.

However, the Chancellor also issued a clear warning to those who refuse to return voluntarily. "Those who refuse to return home from Germany may be deported in the future," he added. This means that Berlin is also prepared to use administrative levers to implement its policy. Deportation will become an extreme but realistic measure for individuals who no longer meet the criteria for asylum.