On Monday, interim Syrian President Ahmad Shara is preparing for an official visit to Germany, which was originally planned for January. Its postponement was caused by fighting between the Syrian army and the Kurds led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). During the visit, Šara will meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and participate in discussions with representatives of companies about the possibilities of economic recovery and reconstruction of Syria. The information was brought by the DPA agency.
- Interim Syrian President Ahmad Shara will leave for a visit to Germany on Monday.
- The main topics of the negotiations will be the repatriation of refugees and the post-war reconstruction of Syria.
- Many human rights organizations warn of continued rights violations and instability.
- Kurdish and Alawite communities in Germany sharply criticize Sharo’s official visit.
- Šara calls for German investment in infrastructure, although security and political risks remain.
According to German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, the main topics of the negotiations will be the repatriation of Syrian refugees and the restoration of the country after 14 years of civil war. Germany, which has accepted approximately one million Syrian refugees in the past, faces challenges related to their integration, but also questions about their possible return to their homeland. However, human rights organizations draw attention to the ongoing instability in Syria and the continued violation of human rights, which, according to them, complicates the return of refugees.
Criticism of the visit
Šar’s invitation to visit Germany, which Chancellor Merz addressed back in November of last year, caused controversy in the country. Criticism was mainly expressed by the Kurdish and Alawite communities, who accuse the Syrian government of repressive practices against ethnic and religious minorities. In January, when the visit was initially planned, several demonstrations were being prepared against it.
Ahmad Shara, who became Syria’s interim president on January 29, 2025 for a five-year transitional period, is a controversial figure. He previously led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which had ties to al-Qaeda. However, after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Shara distanced himself from extremism and began to promote a policy of rapprochement with the West.
Renewal and challenges
One of the main goals of Shara’s visit is to gain support for the reconstruction of war-torn Syria. Discussions with representatives of German companies should focus on investments in infrastructure and economic development. Germany, as one of Europe’s largest economies, could play a key role in the country’s reconstruction, but questions about security and political stability remain open.
Šar’s visit to Germany thus represents not only a diplomatic but also a political test for both sides. On the one hand, this is an effort to normalize relations between Syria and the West, but on the other hand, it remains questionable whether it will be possible to overcome the deep differences and fears that this visit raises.
