Friedrich Merz Meets Syrian Leader, Pushes for 80% of Syrians in Germany to Return Home

In a significant and controversial diplomatic move, German opposition leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) has publicly aligned with a Syrian government demand for the mass return of refugees. Following a meeting in Berlin with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—a figure with a contentious past—Merz stated it is the Syrian leader's "wish" that approximately 80 percent of Syrians currently in Germany return to their homeland within the next three years. Merz explicitly endorsed this objective, emphasizing the need for "a reliable repatriation option" and direct "cooperation with Syria," arguing that many Syrians "are needed at home."

The meeting itself marks a stark shift in Germany's political posture toward the Assad-aligned government in Damascus, which has long been ostracized by Western nations. Merz's statements signal a potential hardening of the CDU's immigration policy, directly linking future cooperation with Syria to large-scale returns. He made clear that protection statuses for Syrians would be reassessed, declaring that those without a valid claim, particularly those who "abuse our hospitality," will "leave Germany again."

This policy pivot places immense pressure on Germany's existing asylum framework and sets the stage for a fierce domestic political battle. It raises profound legal and humanitarian questions, as forced returns to a country still considered unsafe by many international observers would face significant hurdles. The announcement also strategically leverages public sentiment on migration ahead of key elections, positioning Merz's CDU as taking a decisive, albeit contentious, stance on one of Germany's most polarizing issues.