In a recent interview on the ARD program 'Bericht aus Berlin,' Friedrich Merz, head of the CDU, stated that Germany should not accept any more Syrian refugees at this time.

Merz expressed concerns that new arrivals could potentially have links to Assad's militias, underscoring the need for strict border enforcement.

Merz called for stricter border controls to prevent entry of individuals he deems unintegrated and reiterated a commitment to returning such refugees.

Currently, approximately 975,000 Syrians reside in Germany, with an employment rate of about 40%, indicating challenges in integration.

Experts have noted that sending well-educated individuals back to Syria would not be beneficial, especially given Germany's current labor shortages.

He highlighted that two-thirds of Syrians in Germany are unemployed, primarily young men, and suggested that many should consider returning to Syria.

The CDU and CSU's election program for the upcoming Bundestag elections includes proposals for regular deportations of asylum seekers from Afghanistan and Syria, particularly focusing on criminals and security threats.

ProAsyl, a refugee rights organization, condemned the calls for deportations as unrealistic and dangerous, citing the lack of a stable government in Syria post-Assad.

Green Party representative Lamya Kaddor criticized the Union's return demands, asserting that they misuse migration policy for electoral gain while overlooking the realities in the Middle East.

CSU leader Alexander Dobrindt echoed Merz's sentiments, advocating for the swift deportation of Syrian criminals, stating that if protection grounds cease, deportation should be facilitated.

Critics, including members of the Green party, argue that the CDU's proposals are politically motivated maneuvers ahead of elections, neglecting the realities of the ongoing situation in Syria.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees has temporarily halted decisions on asylum applications from Syrians, reflecting the evolving situation in Syria.