“anyone who no longer had a right to residency in Germany should return to Syria. This applied in particular to those 'who abuse our hospitality' and did not abide by German laws.”

“Approximately 1 million Syrians are living in Germany, most of whom fled the civil war that began in 2011.”

“Around 700,000 of them are considered asylum seekers.”

“Chancellor Merz and, in particular, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt from the Bavarian conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) argue that since the interim president took power, the Syrian civil war is essentially over, and that these people can and must return to Syria.”

“German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, also from Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) does not seem to agree though. Last year, during a visit to a heavily devastated suburb of Damascus, Wadephul said, 'It's virtually impossible for people to live a truly dignified life here.' Later, he reportedly told the joint CDU/CSU parliamentary group that Syria looks worse today than Germany did in 1945.”

“Non-governmental organizations dealing with Syrian refugees agree with the foreign minister that nobody should be deported to Syria now.”

“On Monday, several NGOs told reporters that despite all the criticism of the interim president, the German government is right to receive al-Sharaa now.”

“Sophie Bischoff of the organization 'Adopt a Revolution,' which was founded after the uprising in Syria in 2011, added that the situation for civil society remains difficult: 'Even after the fall of the Assad regime, there has been terrible repression.'”

“Farhad Ahma of 'PEL-Civil Waves' advised the German government to actively participate in Syria's reconstruction.”

“Ahma suggested Syrians should return to assess the situation.”

“Returning to Syria, even briefly, risks losing protected status for Syrians in Germany.”