The German coalition government is embroiled in a contentious debate over the potential resumption of deportations to Syria, exposing deep divisions within the ruling alliance and highlighting fundamental disagreements on migration policy. Following Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s (CDU) recent expression of shock at the devastation in Syria and skepticism regarding the near-term return of Syrian refugees, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing deportation agreements with the Syrian government. This stance has drawn fierce criticism, particularly from the Left party.
Cansu Özdemir, parliamentary spokesperson for the Left party, vehemently condemned Dobrindt’s position, arguing that Syria currently offers “no living conditions that permit a safe or dignified life”. She accused representatives of the CSU of demonstrating a “contemptuous view of humanity” for advocating deportations despite warnings from the Bundestag’s scientific services regarding the participation of state actors in massacres. Özdemir stressed the necessity of avoiding “any deals with Islamists” accusing the Syrian regime of promoting “forced veiling and gender separation” suppressing its populace and engaging in “widespread abduction of women”. She warned against normalizing the Syrian government’s actions.
The debate extends beyond the immediate policy disagreement, revealing broader ideological clashes. The SPD, while acknowledging a provision within the coalition agreement regarding the potential deportation of criminals and security risks to Syria, emphasized that such actions must be contingent on the “concrete situation on the ground” a condition seemingly undermined by Wadephul’s assessments.
The AfD has framed the controversy as an “open battle for interpretation” in migration policy, accusing Wadephul of attempting to perpetuate what they characterize as the “destructive legacy” of his predecessor, Annalena Baerbock (Greens). They claim Wadephul is advancing an “anti-German foreign policy”. The AfD spokesperson, Gottfried Curio, even called for the revocation of all protection titles for non-naturalized Syrians and a halt to new residence permits and naturalizations. They argue that since the civil war has, ostensibly, ended, there is ostensibly no ongoing threat of civil conflict or persecution.
The Greens echoed Minister Wadephul’s assessment of the dire situation in Syria but criticized Interior Minister Dobrindt, accusing him of engaging in “constant, one-issue symbolic politics” and neglecting crucial security concerns such as cyberattacks and espionage. They warn that Dobrindt’s preoccupation with deportations is jeopardizing national security and diverting attention from pressing threats.
Within the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Günter Krings defended Dobrindt’s deportation plans, dismissing Wadephul’s comments as “obviously taken out of context”. Krings argued that the civil war is over and the conditions for the return of most Syrian citizens are now present. He further suggested that refugees who rely on the German social welfare system should be “encouraged to return voluntarily” while criminals and individuals with deportation orders should be prioritized for deportation, in coordination with the Syrian government.
The debate underscores a fundamental tension within German political discourse: the balance between humanitarian obligations and national security concerns and the varying perspectives on the possibility of a stable and safe future for Syrian refugees.
