German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has ignited controversy within his conservative party following remarks about the condition in Syria. During a meeting on October 17, 2023, with members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian counterpart, the Christian Social Union (CSU), Wadephul compared the situation in Syria to post-war Germany, stating it looks worse than Germany in 1945. This comment has drawn strong reactions from various party members.
Several lawmakers who attended the meeting confirmed Wadephul’s remarks to the German news agency dpa. The Foreign Office has yet to issue a comment regarding the issue. Participants expressed considerable irritation, with one member describing Wadephul’s comments as “terrible” and “disastrous,” indicating a decline in support for his position as Foreign Minister.
Previous Remarks Fuel Discontent
Wadephul’s controversial comments are not isolated incidents. Just last week, he faced backlash during his visit to war-torn Syria. While touring the devastated suburb of Damascus, he questioned the likelihood of Syrian refugees in Germany returning to their home country, given the extensive destruction. He stated, “It is barely possible for people to live here with dignity,” adding, “In the near future, [Syrian refugees] cannot return.”
This statement conflicted with the CDU’s stance advocating for the swift deportation of Syrian criminal offenders and encouraging voluntary returns of refugees. Following Wadephul’s visit, CDU leader and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed the party’s position, declaring, “The civil war in Syria is over. There are no longer any grounds for asylum in Germany and therefore we can begin repatriations.”
Internal Tensions and Reactions
Frustration within the CDU has grown, particularly regarding the delay in Wadephul’s clarification of his remarks. He only addressed the issue shortly before the parliamentary group meeting, leading to further discontent among party members. Wadephul emphasized 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,” Wadephul stated, underscoring ongoing efforts to facilitate voluntary returns of Syrians and support the reconstruction of their homeland. Despite his attempts to align with party policy during the meeting, his comments received limited applause, indicating a growing divide in perspectives within the CDU.
Wadephul’s comparison of Syria to post-war Germany was reportedly made at the conclusion of his remarks, with no immediate responses from other lawmakers. The implications of his statements continue to resonate within the party, highlighting the challenges faced by the CDU regarding its approach to Syrian refugees and the ongoing crisis in Syria.
