Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described Syria as worse than Germany in 1945 during a CDU/CSU parliamentary group meeting, causing fresh uproar in the Union. The comparison came after his doubts about Syrian refugees returning home following a trip to the country. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, however, emphasizes a swift resumption of deportations.
During the CDU/CSU parliamentary group meeting on Tuesday in Berlin, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul attempted to explain his controversial statements on the situation in Syria. According to participants, he compared the destruction there to Germany's post-World War II conditions in 1945, stating that Syria looks worse. "That was bad," one participant commented on the minister's appearance, during which he appeared unapologetic and said there was nothing to retract.
The conflict arose after Wadephul's Middle East trip last week. During a visit to Harasta, a war-ravaged suburb of Damascus, he doubted that many Syrian women and men would return voluntarily. "Here, really hardly any people can live properly with dignity," he said. This contradicted the Union's policy of swift returns, raising doubts about Wadephul's stance.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz had clarified on Monday: "The civil war in Syria is over. There are now no reasons left for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can begin with returns." He expects voluntary returns for reconstruction or deportations. Wadephul emphasized that there is "absolutely no difference" with Merz.
Criticism persisted nonetheless. Parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn accused Wadephul of damaging the coalition's image: "Unfortunately, one statement is enough to overshadow the very successful work in the area of irregular migration with strife." Some group members are quietly calling for Wadephul's resignation. The UN refugee agency warned against hasty deportations, as Syria's capacities are already strained.
