CDU politicians express dissatisfaction with low tax collection rates

In a recent development, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has announced plans to offer financial incentives to Syrian refugees, encouraging them to voluntarily return to their home country. This initiative, dubbed the "Voluntary Return Assistance Program," has sparked a heated debate in Germany.

Alexander Throm, a CDU politician, has been at the forefront of this discussion, suggesting that the terror regime of the Assad regime has ceased to exist, implying that Syrians should return to their home country. However, Throm's statements do not contradict the emphasis by CDU's Parliamentary Control Committee Chairman, Marc Henrichmann, on the need to help stabilise Syria, assist in its reconstruction, and cooperate in security issues.

Henrichmann has emphasised that the economic incentive to stay in Germany should not be higher than the interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Syria. He also expressed the need for an increase in the number of voluntary departures from Germany by Syrians. Yet, Throm does not discuss the economic incentives for Syrians to stay in Germany or the number of Syrians naturalized in Germany this year.

Last year, according to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, 83,150 Syrians were naturalized in Germany. However, no figures are available for this year's naturalizations. It's worth noting that the number of Syrians living in Germany remains around one million.

Throm's statements apply particularly to Syrians who have been in Germany for a short time or who are not well integrated after many years. He emphasises that Syrians who are well integrated, work, and secure their livelihoods should stay in Germany.

In the first eight months of 2023, 1,867 migrants from Syria accepted the high return assistance offered by Germany. This is in contrast to the 17,650 Syrians who came to Germany during the same period, which is 9.5 times more than those who left.

Henrichmann also stated that it should not be an economic decision for migrants to stay in Germany. He reiterated the need for an increase in the number of voluntary departures from Germany by Syrians, without contradicting Throm's statements.

This debate underscores the complexities and challenges faced by Germany in managing its refugee population, particularly from Syria. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this initiative will unfold and what impact it will have on both Syria and Germany.