Back to Syria? Germany's conservatives face off on deportation plans

November 6, 2025

Germany’s conservatives are in turmoil after Foreign Minister Wadephul’s visit to Syria. His remarks about the country’s dire living conditions — and the unlikelihood of large-scale returns — have sparked backlash within his own party. Is the push for repatriation grounded in reality — or is it just political theater? Nina Haase breaks it down with Daniel Thym, Aya Ibrahim, and Michaela Küfner.

https://p.dw.com/p/53Ddj

Chaprters:

00:00 Intro
01:27 Debate over Syria
04:31 Johann Wadephul
07:52 Friedrich Merz
08:53 Is the civil war in Syria over?
11:51 Returns to Syria?
16:09 A dysfunctional migration system?
21:20 Reality check
25:12 A missed opportunity?
30:09 The government’s plan
32:38 AfD and migration
34:15 Wadephul’s Statements
38:10 Outlook
41:12 End

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