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Chancellor Merz Urges Caution Amid Syrian Returnee Surge

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed concerns about a mass exodus from Syria at a conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Merz noted that while Ahmed al-Sharaa claims 80% of returnees will come back within three years, the challenges remain significant.
Despite rising support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), more returnees are finding jobs in construction, logistics, and healthcare.
Economists warn that such an exodus could worsen existing labor shortages.

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Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed concerns about a mass exodus from Syria at a conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Merz noted that while Ahmed al-Sharaa claims 80% of returnees will come back within three years, the challenges remain significant.
Despite rising support for Alternative for Germany (AfD), more returnees are finding jobs in construction, logistics, and healthcare.
Economists warn that such an exodus could worsen existing labor shortages.