Overview
- Germany’s spokesman, who briefed reporters Wednesday, called the fight over who cited an “80 percent” target a “pseudo-conflict” and said both sides only agree that some war refugees can go back.
- Merz had linked an 80 percent return within three years to Syria’s leader at a Monday press event in Berlin, but Ahmed al‑Scharaa said in London on Tuesday that the chancellor made that claim, not him.
- The joint Germany–Syria action plan names reconstruction and working public services as preconditions for a safe and dignified return and sets no quotas, and Syria’s foreign minister wrote Wednesday that he rejects forced deportations.
- Economic institutes warn an 80 percent return is unrealistic and would strain Germany’s workforce, noting many Syrians now hold jobs in care, logistics and other shortage roles.
- About 940,000 Syrians live in Germany and since January 2025 roughly 9,777 have left voluntarily, including about 5,004 with state support, underscoring that any wider move would face legal checks and slow, case-by-case procedures.