A simmering debate within Germany’s governing coalition has resurfaced, centering on the complex issue of the potential return of Syrian refugees. Sonja Eichwede, Vice-Chair of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, has firmly rejected calls for a blanket directive urging Syrian nationals residing in Germany to return to their homeland, a position that directly challenges a proposal put forward by the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU).
Eichwede’s statement, released to Funke-Mediengruppe newspapers, underscored the significant integration achieved by a substantial portion of the Syrian community in Germany. She highlighted the contributions of countless Syrians working in essential, socially insured professions, including healthcare and emphasized the many who have acquired German citizenship and established settled lives within the country.
The CSU, in a draft position paper outlining their approach to migration policy, advocates for the repatriation of the majority of Syrian refugees holding temporary residency permits, suggesting a pathway involving both voluntary return and potential deportation. While the CSU acknowledges the necessity of individual case reviews reflecting the prevailing conditions on the ground, as assessed by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal Office for Asylum and Migration, Eichwede critiqued the proposal as incompatible with due process. “General pronouncements do not align with a constitutional legal procedure” she stated.
Despite this divergence, Eichwede reaffirmed the SPD’s commitment to upholding legal frameworks. “Anyone who wishes to be part of our society, or become part of it, must adhere to the laws and regulations” she stressed. She confirmed the party’s agreement to repatriate criminals and individuals posing a security risk to Syria, as stipulated in the governing coalition agreement.
Eichwede concluded by emphasizing the ongoing efforts to balance humanitarian considerations with the need for order within German migration policy. Referencing the implementation of the Common European Asylum System, she cautioned against impulsive actions, arguing that existing measures should be allowed to take effect and deliver results. The internal disagreement underscores the enduring political sensitivity surrounding migration, particularly concerning complex situations like the unresolved realities facing Syria and the obligations of a nation committed to both refuge and legal principles.