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Chancellor Merz and Syrian President Al-Sharaa Discuss Refugee Return and Reconstruction
Chancellor Merz and President al-Sharaa aim for 80% of Syrian refugees in Germany to return within three years to aid Syria's post-war reconstruction and economic recovery.
- On Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz received Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin for his inaugural visit, focusing on postwar reconstruction and refugee repatriation to Syria.
- Al-Sharaa rose to power in December 2024 after ousting former leader Bashar al-Assad, ending nearly 14 years of civil war; Germany lifted sanctions to support Syria's economic recovery.
- Merz announced a joint task force and German delegation to Syria, stating that "around 80% of Syrians currently residing in Germany are expected to return to their home country" over three years.
- Both leaders agreed to establish a 'circular migration' model enabling Syrian professionals to contribute to rebuilding while maintaining stability and residence rights for those choosing to remain in Germany.
- Kurdish community groups protested the visit, citing al-Sharaa's Islamist past and sectarian violence, while critics warned that normalization remains "premature" given Syria's fragile human rights situation.
183 Articles
183 Articles
Will four out of five Syrians return home in Germany within three years? The chancellor makes it clear that the return rate for Syrians he mentioned was ambitious and not his idea.
Germany’s Merz Pushes Plan to Send Most Syrian Migrants Home Within Two Years
Screengrab of Friedrich Merz giving a speech to the CDU conference. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said most Syrians living in Germany should return to their home country. “In the next three years, around 80 percent of the Syrians currently living in Germany should return to their home country,” Merz said during a joint press conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Berlin. Merz said some groups, such as doctors and nurses, coul…
Merz wants to reduce 80 percent of Syrians – within three years. Experts consider the number unrealistic. A reality check on the facts behind the political announcement.
Eighty percent of Syrians are to leave Germany. This announcement by Chancellor Friedrich Merz after the meeting with an ex-Al Qaeda fighter in the Chancellery triggers a storm of indignation.
The German Chancellor pointed out that they are necessary for the reconstruction of the country in a meeting with Ahmed al-Shara in Berlin.
Chancellor Merz wants to send back 80 percent of all refugees from Syria. He calls this number during the visit of the Syrian President. Not only the opposition criticizes.
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