The Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD), expressed frustration regarding the recent discussions surrounding the deportation of Syrians. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” (Saturday edition), she stated her annoyance at the notion that people from Syria must “finally” contribute to the reconstruction efforts, quickly adding that they are already contributing in ways that are very concrete and successful.
The Minister announced her intention to integrate the expertise of diaspora communities in Germany much more strongly into German development cooperation. This sentiment was reinforced during the annual anniversary of the platform “New Beginning for Syria” in April, where numerous participants confirmed that they are already helping with reconstruction efforts while simultaneously being established members of German society.
Alabali Radovan added that the continuous debates around deportations are destabilizing. She concluded by emphasizing that the expertise of these individuals is needed in Germany just as much as it is needed elsewhere.