DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics Back to Syria? Germany's conservatives face off on deportation plans
Nov 6, 2025
Daniel Thym, a migration expert, explores the complexities of Germany's deportation laws, while Aya Ibrahim shares her firsthand insights from war-torn Syria. Michaela Küfner discusses the political fallout from Foreign Minister Wadephul's controversial remarks about the safety and conditions in Syria. The trio delve into the legal limits of repatriation, the public's expectations fueled by political narratives, and the challenges of returning Syrians, all while pondering Germany's responsibility to rebuild the war-torn nation.
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Migration Shaped German Political Risk
- Migration from Syria reshaped German politics and fuels support for the far-right AfD.
- Conservative anxiety about migration drives competing hardline messaging within the CDU/CSU.
Road Trip From Damascus To Idlib
- Aya Ibrahim described driving from Damascus to Idlib and seeing widespread destruction at every stop.
- She argued families with stable lives in Germany are unlikely to uproot and return to ruined areas.
Returns From Neighbouring States Differ
- Millions have returned to Syria from neighboring states, but hardly anyone has returned from Germany.
- Germany can expect only small, targeted returns, not mass repatriation.