German opposition leader says most Syrian refugees should return home

Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has said he aims for the return of 80 percent of Syrian refugees currently in Germany to their home country. He stated this goal during a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's special envoy, Faisal Mekdad, who was represented by Vice President Farouk al-Shara in some reports.

Merz said Germany would work with Syria on this plan, with the expectation that the returns could happen over the next three years. The proposal focuses on Syrian nationals who fled the civil war and sought protection in Germany.