When it comes to merz criticised after calling for syrians in germany to ‘go back’ home, friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, is facing significant backlash after he suggested that a majority of Syrians residing in Germany should "go back to their homeland." Merz's comments came during a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim Syrian president, in Berlin on Monday. This statement has stirred up criticism from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and even members of his own coalition government, highlighting the tension surrounding immigration policy in Germany.
Understanding Merz Criticised After Calling For Syrians In Germany To ‘go Back’ Home
During the meeting with al-Sharaa, Merz emphasized the need to prioritize the return of Syrians who had committed crimes, but he also mentioned a broader aim of returning up to 80% of the Syrian diaspora in Germany over the next three years. "In the longer perspective of the next three years, that.. was the wish of President al-Sharaa: [that] about 80% of the Syrians currently living in Germany should go back to their homeland," Merz stated, linking this repatriation to the reconstruction efforts in Syria. Originally reported by The Guardian.
These remarks have drawn immediate condemnation from various quarters. Anke Rehlinger, deputy leader of the Social Democrats (SPD), part of the ruling coalition with Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), criticized the chancellor for creating unrealistic expectations. "It's not a wise move on the part of the chancellor to put forward specific figures within specific timeframes, because that raises expectations he may not be able to meet," she told the Funke newspaper group.
Political Repercussions and Party Dissent
Rehlinger expressed understanding for al-Sharaa's call for Syrians to participate in the reconstruction of their country but pointed out that many Syrians have integrated into German society and contribute significantly to various sectors. She noted that approximately 244,000 Syrian citizens have obtained German citizenship between 2016 and 2024, the largest group among those newly naturalized.
Criticism has also emerged from within the CDU itself. Roderich Kiesewetter, the party's foreign policy spokesperson, labeled the figures cited by Merz as "problematic in several respects." He warned that unfulfilled promises could be exploited by the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), which has been gaining traction by capitalizing on anti-migration sentiments. "If they return, we face a challenge," Kiesewetter remarked, emphasizing the valuable contributions of skilled Syrian workers to the German economy.
The Importance of Syrian Professionals in Germany
The German Hospital Society highlighted the crucial role of Syrian healthcare professionals, noting that 5,745 Syrian doctors work in German clinics, making them the largest group of foreign physicians. Additionally, around 2,000 Syrians are employed as caregivers. Henriette Neumeyer, the deputy chair of the society, warned that the departure of these skilled workers could significantly impact healthcare services in Germany.
Franziska Brantner, co-leader of the opposition Greens party, called Merz's repatriation targets "reckless," stressing that for many Syrians, returning to their homeland is not a viable option due to ongoing security risks and instability in Syria. Fellow Greens MP Luise Amtsberg condemned Merz's comments as "shameful," underlining the dire circumstances that many Syrians still face.
Chancellor Merz's Policy Shift
Merz, who was elected last year, campaigned on a platform that promised a stringent approach to immigration, contrasting sharply with former Chancellor Angela Merkel's more welcoming policies. Under Merkel, Germany accepted around 1.3 million refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Afghanistan during the 2015-2016 crisis. This approach, while initially popular, eventually sparked a backlash that has fueled the rise of the AfD, now the largest opposition party in the Bundestag.
Despite acknowledging the contributions of Syrians to German society, Merz's comments reflect a significant shift in immigration policy aimed at addressing the concerns of voters who favor stricter immigration controls. Since taking office, he has vowed to dismantle the more open border policies that characterized Merkel's tenure.
In an attempt to mitigate the backlash, Merz later clarified that the figure of 80% marked by the Syrian president was not a definitive target set by the German government. "The figure of 80% returnees within three years was cited by the Syrian president," Merz stated, as reported by Bild newspaper. "We have taken note of this figure, but we are aware of the scale of the task." This apparent backtrack underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding immigration and repatriation policy in Germany.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.