Top German Leader Faces Backlash Over Calls for Syrians to 'Go Home'

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a backlash after calling for the vast majority of Syrians living in Germany to "go back to their homeland." The comments, made during a visit by the interim Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa, have been condemned by NGOs and members of Merz's own government.

Merz, who was elected last year on a platform of a tougher stance on immigration, made the remarks in a bid to appeal to voters concerned about the continued presence of Syrian refugees in the country. However, his comments have been widely criticized as inflammatory and insensitive to the plight of those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Critics have accused Merz of using "dangerous rhetoric" on immigration and have warned that his comments could further inflame tensions and embolden the far-right in Germany. NGOs working with Syrian refugees have also voiced their concern, arguing that the vast majority of Syrians in Germany have no homes or livelihoods to return to in their war-torn homeland.