Johann Wadephul’s humanitarian position on refugee returns sparks internal CDU rift as Chancellor Merz pushes hardline policy.
Berlin, Germany – November 6, 2025 — German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is facing mounting pressure from within his own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), after publicly questioning the feasibility and morality of deporting Syrian refugees. His stance, rooted in humanitarian concerns, has drawn sharp contrast with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who insists Syria is now safe for repatriation.
A Divided Government on Syria Policy
Wadephul’s remarks followed a visit to Harasta, a war-ravaged suburb of Damascus, where he described the devastation as “barely liveable” and warned that forced returns would be dangerous and premature.
“Hardly anyone can live here with dignity,” Wadephul said, citing ongoing infrastructure collapse and security risks DW EURACTIV.com, this is very apt and accurate because there is simply nothing to return to in most areas as could be seen from available video and pictures as well as from eye witness accounts, most concerned just don’t have anything to return to in Syria except ruins.
In response, Merz declared that “the Syrian civil war is over” and that Germany must begin repatriations, even for those unwilling to return voluntarily Yahoo Politico Europe Al Arabiya. His comments, delivered pointedly in Wadephul’s hometown of Husum, signaled a growing rift at the top of Germany’s leadership.
Humanitarian Concerns vs Political Pressure
Germany hosts nearly one million Syrian refugees, many of whom arrived during the 2015 crisis. While some have expressed interest in returning, rights groups warn that forced deportations could violate international law and destabilize Syria’s fragile recovery.
Wadephul’s position has drawn support from humanitarian organizations and legal scholars, who argue that voluntary return must remain the standard, and that deporting individuals to a country still grappling with post-conflict trauma is both inhumane and legally questionable.
CDU Infighting and Far-Right Influence
The CDU’s internal tensions are exacerbated by pressure from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has called for mass deportations. Merz’s hardline pivot is seen by some analysts as an attempt to appease nationalist sentiment, while Wadephul’s stance reflects a principled commitment to human rights.
Despite public criticism, Wadephul maintains there are “no differences” with the Chancellor, though his isolation within the party suggests otherwise Yahoo.
In short: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is under fire from his own party for opposing forced deportations of Syrian refugees, citing humanitarian risks and Syria’s ongoing instability. His stance clashes with Chancellor Merz’s push for repatriation, exposing deep divisions within the CDU over migration policy.
Sources:
Yahoo Yahoo News – Germany tells Syrians to go home
Politico Europe Politico EU – Merz wants Syrian refugees to go home
DW DW – Pressure builds on Wadephul
EURACTIV.com Euractiv – CDU row over Syrian repatriations
Yahoo Yahoo News – Wadephul under pressure
Al Arabiya Al Arabiya – Merz says Syrians must go home
