(de-news.net) – CDU chairman Friedrich Merz has called for a halt to the acceptance of additional Syrian refugees, citing concerns that new arrivals might include former militias. Merz reiterated his demand for rejections at the German border and asserted that Syrian refugees already residing in the country who are capable of working but do not should be repatriated to Syria. He also introduced an “Agenda 2030,” indicating that the CDU and CSU would review labor market statistics for 2024 and projections for 2025 over the Christmas break before proposing further economic policies.

CSU Parliamentary Group Leader Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the necessity for swift deportations of criminals and financially supported voluntary returns for Syrian refugees. He proposed that well-integrated Syrian workers should be provided with a perspective to remain. Dobrindt called for a roadmap for repatriations and financial support for voluntary departures, asserting that those who no longer have protection grounds should be returned to Syria. He also noted that the new transitional government in Syria is encouraging Syrians abroad to return and contribute to the country’s reconstruction.

The Union’s stance has elicited sharp criticism from the Greens and SPD. Green Party spokesperson Lamya Kaddor accused the Union of exploiting migration policy for electoral gain and disregarding the realities in the Middle East. She highlighted the contributions of well-integrated Syrians in Germany and contended that it is premature to declare Syria a safe country of origin. SPD Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dirk Wiese condemned the Union’s calls for swift deportations as cynical, emphasizing the necessity to support Syrians who have suffered under Assad’s regime and to assist in the transition to a free and secure Syria.