“One must not lose empathy and an eye on reality,” said the CDU politician at the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” economic summit.
11/20/2025 | 0:26 min
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stood by his assessment of the situation in civil war-torn Syria, even after criticism from within the European Union.
His statement that returning to the devastated places of Damascus is only possible in the short term, “is at least what can be said at the moment and I stand by that statement because it is my sober analysis,” the CDU politician said at the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” economic summit.
That’s my assessment there and anyone who sees it differently will have to argue and also state the facts. But unfortunately, that’s what happened.
Johann Wadephul (CDU), Minister of Foreign Affairs
There is debate in Germany about sending Syrians back to their home country to rebuild the country. But what do Syrians themselves think?
11/10/2025 | 2:00 min
No electricity, no water, no waste
In late October, while visiting the hard-hit suburbs of Damascus, Wadephul doubted that large numbers of Syrian refugees would voluntarily return there in the short term given the enormous destruction. “Hardly anyone can live with dignity here,” he said. A week later, at a Bundestag faction meeting, according to several participants, he said that Syria looked worse than Germany in 1945. This statement also drew massive criticism.
Wadephul now says he “drove through Damascus completely destroyed by bombs.” He had an idea of the real situation there: no electricity, no water, no sewerage.
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Other cities such as Homs and Aleppo were even more devastated, there were area bombings by Russian and Assad forces as well as poison gas attacks, and there are still many unexploded bombs there. Of course, at least where it occurs, it is reminiscent of the aftermath of the Second World War.
One must never lose empathy and view of reality.
Johann Wadephul (CDU), Minister of Foreign Affairs
In Syria, the civil war that has lasted almost 14 years has not only caused great damage, but in many places there is still the threat of land mines. Aid organizations are handling the evacuation.
November 9, 2025 | 2:38 min
Wadephul: “We also have to apply a little pressure”
Wadephul said that the federal government is helping so that the reconstruction carried out by ruin women in Germany can also be carried out there by ruin men and women with German help. But Syrians also need to be motivated to work there. “We also have to apply a little pressure.” However, this can only be achieved if done in the right way. The Syrian government wants to bring many people to their country.
Syria is a large and diverse country.
Johann Wadephul (CDU), Minister of Foreign Affairs
Wadephul stressed that it was clear that criminals and dangerous people would be repatriated, and those who after years of failing to learn German, take any training and find work would not be permanently supported by German taxpayers. However, there are also many Syrians who have made extraordinary contributions to German society.
If the Federal Office for Migration were to revoke the protection status of more than 100,000 Syrians, this would lead to many lawsuits, according to migration lawyer Daniel Thym.
November 9, 2025 | 5:36 min
Source: dpa
