A deepening rift has emerged within Germany’s ruling coalition over the contentious issue of repatriating Syrian refugees, with CDU candidate Manuel Hagel publicly contradicting Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s stance. Hagel, vying for the leadership in Baden-Württemberg’s upcoming state elections, argued that humanitarian protection is “not a right of permanent residence, but protection for a temporary period”. He cited the end of the Syrian civil war as justification for initiating returns, emphasizing that “hundreds of thousands” fled due to the conflict.
Hagel’s statement directly challenges a growing sentiment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which concerns the safety and viability of returns. While acknowledging the need for individual case assessments and adherence to legal processes, he pointed to prior court decisions suggesting returns to Syria are increasingly feasible. He further emphasized the coalition agreement – often referred to as the “Dobrindt turn” a reference to former Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt – which stipulates deportations to both Afghanistan and Syria, beginning with convicted criminals and individuals deemed dangerous. This policy has reportedly involved engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan and plans for an agreement with the Syrian government.
The comparison drawn by Hagel – equating post-war Germany’s reconstruction with Syria’s potential future – proved particularly striking. He implored for Syrian citizens to demonstrate the same resolve and national pride that rebuilt Germany after World War II.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Cansu Özdemir, the Left Party’s spokesperson for foreign affairs. Özdemir accused Hagel and his allies of dismissing undeniable realities regarding Syria’s perilous conditions, underscoring that the country still fails to provide safe or dignified living circumstances. She cited a parliamentary report highlighting the involvement of state Syrian units in massacres, questioning the ethical foundation of deportation policies despite this evidence.
Özdemir further accused the CDU and broadly the governing coalition, of pursuing a strategy of scapegoating to garner political support, rather than addressing the needs of the German population. She highlighted a concerning aspect: continued engagement and collaboration with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a jihadist group, despite persistent oppression – a detail she condemned as unacceptable and asserted fundamentally against any possibility of safe returns. She concluded with a firm denunciation: “No deportations to Syria, no deals with Islamists.
The disagreement highlights a fracturing within the governing parties on the ethical and logistical complexities of refugee policy, raising fundamental questions about Germany’s responsibilities and its approach to international humanitarian crises.