After the end of the war in Syria, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is urging the return of Syrian refugees who are currently living in Germany. Merz’s goal is to restore the previous migration policy, which received many criticisms during the Merkel government. According to the new chancellor, this is an opportunity for refugees to rebuild their own country, while public opinion is also increasingly in favor of stricter migration measures.
In Germany, opinion polls show that the radical Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is growing in popularity, while the Christian democratic parties (CDU and CSU) are fading into the background. Social tensions are prompting political leaders to review migration policies. Merz argues that the repatriation is a necessary step to reduce the burden on Germany’s social system and public security, as the presence of one million Syrian refugees imposes significant costs on the state. There is a historical parallel with the government’s previous measures, in which Afghan refugees were sent back to their home countries. In August 2024, 28 Afghans were expelled, while in July 2025, 81 Afghans were repatriated under Merz’s leadership. The experience of these programs warns that starting deportations is a complex and sensitive task, as the Merkel government has also experienced difficulties in repatriating migrants who have committed crimes. In the German political arena, there is increasing pressure from the government to take effective action against migration-related challenges. The AfD leader stressed that the reasons for fleeing no longer exist and that the presence of Syrians is not justified by German taxpayers. This approach increases the political responsibility that Merz faces, as he is expected to take meaningful legislative and political action.
In addition to Germany, there are other European refugees whose incentive effect on asylum applications has decreased. France, the Benelux countries and the Nordic countries are facing similar challenges, as they also have a significant number of refugees, who have higher unemployment than the indigenous population. Anti-migration demonstrations are taking place in an increasing number of places, indicating the growing social tensions across the continent.
Merz’s government ideas draw attention to the fact that the German example could perhaps inspire other European countries in the interest of a common migration policy. The question facing the European Union member states is whether they are considering similar measures in the wake of the German measures that could help deal with the protracted migration crisis.
Translated and edited by L. Earth