Merz & Syria's Leader Discuss Syrian Return

0:00German Chancellor Friedrich Merz just met with Syria's interim leader Amad Al-Sharah in Berlin, floating the idea that a big chunk of the Syrians, living in Germany could head back home over the next few years to help rebuild after the Civil War. Syria has been through hell with that war killing nearly half a million folks in wrecking the place, but it wrapped up when Bashar al-Assad got ousted, back in December 2024. Germany took in over 900,000 Syrians and Plenty have even snagged citizenship since arriving. Merz made it clear his government's top goal is cutting migration and sending back those who don't qualify to stay, starting with the small crew of, Syrian offenders causing issues here. Meanwhile, Al-Sharah pushed back, pointing out 6,000 Syrian doctors, staffing German hospitals and over a quarter million paying taxes and, boosting the economy, they talked up a circular immigration setup, so skilled Syrians can pitch in on Syria's rebuild without ditching

1:00their lives in Germany if they want to. Stay. Al-Sharah also hit an economic roundtable to drum up support for his country's comeback. Germany's pledging backing for Syria's fresh start, especially with tensions flaring in the region like that war in Iran, could mean smoother returns. In real reconstruction ahead, you've been listening to Canada News today, AI-powered local news.