German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has sparked significant controversy within his own party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), following remarks made about Syria during a recent parliamentary meeting. On October 3, 2023, Wadephul stated that the situation in Syria is worse than Germany was in 1945, a claim that has drawn criticism from several lawmakers within his conservative bloc.
The comments were made during a joint meeting of the CDU and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU). Participants confirmed to the German news agency dpa that the remark was met with irritation. One lawmaker described Wadephul’s presentation as “terrible” and “disastrous,” indicating that support for him is dwindling within the party.
Wadephul’s remarks come on the heels of a previous statement made during his visit to Syria. While touring the devastated suburb of Damascus on September 29, 2023, he expressed doubt that Syrian refugees currently residing in Germany would be able to return home voluntarily, given the extensive destruction. “It is barely possible for people to live here with dignity,” he noted while in the neighborhood of Harasta. He further declared that, “in the near future, [Syrian refugees] cannot return,” a statement that has raised concerns among some members of the CDU regarding their stance on refugee repatriation.
Tensions within the party escalated as Wadephul’s comments appeared to contradict the CDU’s official position, which advocates for the swift deportation of Syrian criminal offenders and encourages voluntary returns of refugees. In response, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reiterated the party’s stance on October 2, 2023, asserting, “The civil war in Syria is over. There are no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany, and therefore we can begin repatriations.”
Frustration has reportedly intensified among CDU lawmakers regarding the delay in Wadephul’s clarification of his remarks. He only addressed the concerns shortly before the parliamentary meeting, stating that both he and the Foreign Office actively support the goal of returning criminal offenders and dangerous individuals to Syria and Afghanistan. “There is absolutely no difference on this,” he emphasized, reaffirming that efforts are underway to facilitate voluntary returns and help rebuild Syria.
During the parliamentary meeting, Wadephul reiterated his position, but according to attendees, he received minimal applause. His comparison of Syria to post-war Germany was reportedly made towards the end of his remarks, and no other lawmakers responded to the controversial statement.
As the CDU grapples with internal dissent, the implications of Wadephul’s comments may affect the party’s approach to refugees and its overall public image, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria.
