Berlin – Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is facing renewed criticism within the Union party following remarks comparing the devastation in Syria to Germany in 1945. During a closed-door meeting of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction on Tuesday, november 5, 2025, Wadephul reportedly stated that Syria’s current state was worse than Germany’s condition at the end of World War II.
The comment sparked irritation among those present,with one MP describing Wadephul’s presentation to the group as “bad” and “disastrous,” and indicating dwindling support for the Foreign Minister within the parliamentary group.
This latest controversy follows Wadephul’s prior statement last week, made during a visit to a heavily damaged suburb of Damascus, questioning the feasibility of a swift return for Syrian refugees given the extensive destruction. “Hardly people can live with dignity here,” he said at the time.
This earlier remark drew criticism from some within the Union, who interpreted it as a potential divergence from the party’s stated policy of accelerating the deportation of Syrian criminals and encouraging voluntary repatriation. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz subsequently affirmed on Monday that “The civil war in Syria is over. There are no longer any reasons for asylum in Germany and that is why we can also start repatriations.”
Prior to Tuesday’s faction meeting, Parliamentary group leader jens Spahn urged Wadephul to clarify his earlier statement, stating, “Occasionally, when in doubt, it helps to quickly clarify and classify things.” Wadephul subsequently issued a statement affirming his support for the repatriation of criminals and risky individuals from Syria and Afghanistan, and emphasizing his commitment to facilitating voluntary returns to aid in the country’s rebuilding. He maintained his position aligned with that of Chancellor Merz.
Despite the clarification, Wadephul received limited applause during his remarks to the parliamentary group, with the comparison to 1945 reportedly made at the conclusion of his presentation. No immediate responses from other MPs were reported following the comment.
