Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party parliamentary group, advocates for the return of Syrian refugees to Syria once the war ends. He emphasizes exceptions for those making significant contributions in Germany. This comes after controversial statements by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Syria's destruction.
In an interview with Bild am Sonntag, Manfred Weber, parliamentary group leader of the European People's Party (EPP), has generally advocated for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. "Those who are capable of returning to Syria and rebuilding the country must leave Germany and Europe and go back to Syria," he said.
Weber explained the legal situation: "We help in times of need, but when the war is over, you must return to your home country." He cautioned against excessive time pressure on deportations, given the destruction in parts of Syria. "If deportations do not succeed directly in the first month because parts of Syria are completely destroyed, it might work in the next month," he said. Nevertheless, he stressed: "But the principle must ultimately be implemented."
At the same time, Weber called for exceptions, such as for Syrians in regulated employment. "There are many Syrians in Germany who make an important contribution here. Do we want to send them all back to Syria now?" he asked. He pointed out that people with migration backgrounds make essential contributions to society, for example in hospitals.
The background is a controversy surrounding Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU). During a visit to a devastated suburb of Damascus, he expressed doubts about a short-term return: "Here, really hardly any people can live properly with dignity." Some in the Union interpreted this as distancing from the party line, which calls for the swift deportation of Syrian offenders and the promotion of voluntary returns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) clarified: "The civil war in Syria is over. There are now no more reasons for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can also begin with returns."