US EditionGerman Chancellor Merz calls for repatriation of Syrian refugees
Chancellor Merz asserts Syrian civil war has ended and aims for voluntary refugee returns with deportations for refusals, noting a 50,000 refugee decrease in early 2025.
- On Monday, November 3, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the civil war in Syria is over, declaring asylum grounds in Germany ended and inviting Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to coordinate repatriations.
- Facing surging Alternative for Germany polls, conservatives pushed tougher migration stances ahead of five state elections next year, diverging from Angela Merkel, former Chancellor, who admitted about one million Syrians years ago.
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt reported initial asylum applications fell to 8,823 in October 2025, about 55% fewer than October 2024, while only around 1,000 Syrians returned with federal assistance this year and many hold temporary residence permits.
- The United Nations warned conditions in Syria do not allow large-scale repatriations, noting 70% rely on humanitarian aid, while many Christian Democratic Union members and legal observers reject forced returns.
- The government plans to separate asylum and labor migration procedures, proposes a Work-and-Stay agency, and Berlin said it will assist Syria's reconstruction, affecting around 1 million Syrians in Germany.
24 Articles
24 Articles
"There are no more reasons to seek asylum in Germany," said Friedrich Merz. German Chanceler even suggested that he could "port" the Syrian refugees who "refused to return to their country".
Germany's Merz calls for repatriation of Syrians as far-right surges
Syrians no longer have grounds for asylum in Germany now the civil war in their country is over, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, as his conservatives seek to fend off a surging far-right ahead of a slew of state elections next year.
Germany Considers Repatriation as Syrian Crisis Shifts Post-War
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Syrians may no longer have grounds for asylum in Germany following the end of their civil war, despite ongoing humanitarian issues. The move comes as Merz's conservatives aim to counter the rise of the far-right AfD party, which has gained traction with anti-migrant stances.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center, 36% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
