Friedrich Merz, the CDU/CSU chancellor candidate leading polls ahead of Germany’s February elections, has urgently called for the repatriation of Syrian and Afghan migrants convicted of crimes.
In a statement on Monday, Merz stressed the need for immediate action, framing his proposal as a crucial and time-sensitive step in addressing the country’s immigration challenges.
“We will deport individuals to Afghanistan and Syria despite the complexities of the situation,” Merz declared, adding that Germany must scrutinize who is permitted entry from conflict zones. He highlighted concerns about harboring individuals linked to Syrian regime militias involved in atrocities, stating, “We will not tolerate members of al-Assad’s militias in Germany.”
Merz strongly urged European Union coordination to ensure rapid border deportations, underlining the crucial need for unified action among member states to address immigration challenges.
Germany currently hosts approximately 975,000 Syrians, many of whom arrived during the 2015 migration wave. Over 300,000 hold lower-level protected status, with no claims of individual persecution. Merz argued that the strain on local authorities is reaching a critical point, necessitating immediate policy reform.
The CDU/CSU platform proposes separating economic migration from asylum procedures and prioritizing immigration policy changes at national and EU levels.
With the bloc polling above 30% ahead of the February 23 vote, Merz’s focus on immigration contrasts sharply with the far-right AfD’s 18%, the SPD’s 16%, and the Greens’ 13%.