German coalition divided over plan to repatriate Syrian refugees

A significant political rift has opened within Germany's governing Christian Democratic Union (CDU) over the contentious issue of repatriating Syrian refugees. The division was triggered by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who publicly expressed skepticism about large-scale returns to Syria, citing the extensive destruction he witnessed during a recent visit to the Damascus suburb of Harasta.

Internal Criticism and Counter-Arguments

Wadephul's assessment that returns are "only possible to a very limited extent" drew immediate criticism from prominent figures within his own party. Gunter Krings, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, challenged the foreign minister's position, arguing that Syria's reconstruction precisely requires the return of its citizens. He dismissed the security argument as "utterly unsuitable" for preventing deportations, reflecting a hardening stance among conservative lawmakers.

Coalition Partners Push for Deportation Agreement

The CDU's sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), has added to the pressure by demanding concrete action on Syrian repatriations. CSU parliamentary leader Alexander Hoffmann told German media that developing agreements with Damascus is "absolutely necessary and right," particularly for deporting criminals and security threats. This position aligns with the government's coalition agreement, which explicitly commits to pursuing such measures now that the Syrian civil war has concluded.

Interior Ministry Advances Deportation Plans

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry under Alexander Dobrindt has confirmed it is actively working to establish a formal agreement with Syria to enable deportations. A ministry spokesperson indicated that the process would begin with individuals convicted of crimes, implementing a key provision of the coalition agreement. This practical step toward actual deportations underscores the serious policy divergence within the German government on handling Syrian refugees.