The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), are escalating pressure on the German government to resume deportations to Syria, prioritizing the removal of not only convicted criminals but also unemployed individuals. Alexander Throm, the CDU/CSU parliamentary spokesperson for domestic policy, articulated the party’s stance, arguing that repatriation is now a “highest priority” and justified by recent events, including the alleged planning of a terrorist attack in Berlin by a 22-year-old man suspected of ISIS sympathies.
Throm’s call directly echoes provisions within the current coalition agreement, which mandates a return to deportations to Syria. He contends that the cessation of the civil war and the consolidation of Assad’s regime eliminate legitimate barriers to repatriation for Sunni Arabs. Supporting his argument, he points to a perceived shift in administrative court decisions increasingly favoring deportation orders.
The rationale presented by Throm hinges on a narrow interpretation of international refugee protection, framing it as a temporary measure contingent on the resolution of danger within the country of origin. He asserts that the German public expects a resumption of deportations to Damascus and suggests a preferential order targeting those deemed economically unproductive, lacking integration, having a criminal record, or recent arrivals.
This hardline policy position clashes with dissenting voices within the government itself. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul previously expressed reservations about the feasibility and safety of deportations, citing the extensive infrastructure damage and ongoing instability plaguing Syria. His skepticism underscores the complex realities on the ground and highlights a growing internal debate concerning the ethical and logistical implications of mass deportations to a nation struggling to recover from years of conflict.
The CDU/CSU’s renewed push for repatriation raises critical questions about Germany’s commitment to international humanitarian law, the potential for human rights violations against returnees and the political calculus behind prioritizing deportation over genuine integration efforts. Furthermore, it reignites the controversy surrounding Assad’s regime and Germany’s willingness to normalize relations with a government accused of widespread human rights abuses.
