German parliamentarians from various factions argue via remote duel even during the Christmas break about a quick return of Syrian refugees.
The SPD in the German parliament rejected similar demands, saying: “The situation in Syria is marked by great uncertainty, with armed groups still fighting. In particular, we can expect the Turkish authorities to continue their actions against Kurdish militias in the northeast” said Nils Schmid, the SPD’s foreign policy spokesperson, to the Welt. “It is also completely unclear whether the new rulers in Damascus will create a political order that includes all religious and ethnic groups in Syria and guarantees a minimum of freedom of rights and religious tolerance. Therefore, it is too early to speculate about the return of Syrians.”
The Social Democrat was convinced that, “just like after the end of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian war, many Syrians will voluntarily return to rebuild their country once the situation stabilizes. However, we should not forget that many Syrian refugees in Germany have now become German citizens or have an unlimited right of residence and have become an indispensable part of our workforce and society. We should not put what we have achieved at risk by making thoughtless and resentment-laden return demands.”
Alexander Throm (CDU), the CDU’s interior policy spokesperson, said: “The developments in Syria are still in flux and cannot be definitively assessed yet. However, it is clear that the original reason for most Syrians fleeing, the end of the dictator Assad’s reign of terror, is no longer the case. Therefore, the possibility of return must also be considered. Because pure refugee protection is, by its nature, a temporary stay.”
Throm added that this applies “especially to people who have only recently been here, or those who, although they have been living here for a while, do not work or cannot support themselves. This is the case for about 55 percent of all Syrian nationals currently receiving social benefits.”
AfD foreign policy expert Matthias Moosdorf sees no obstacle to the return or deportation of Syrians. “The Syrians have largely applauded the changes here. They were here because Assad threatened them. Now he’s gone. There is no reason to stand in the way of their return. So, it’s time to leave” said the Bundestag member.
The Left’s refugee policy spokesperson, Clara Bünger, demanded: “Instead of inscribing a return, Germany should support the stabilization of Syria – for example, by pressuring Erdogan to seek a peaceful solution with the Kurds in the north, or by projects that create security and perspectives. Everything else is more dangerous populism.” At present, in Syria, “minorities are being massively threatened. In various regions, armed conflicts are taking place. Turkey and Islamist groups are still waging a war against the Kurds in northern Syria.