In a shocking escalation of rhetoric, Alis Vid, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, has demanded that the government ramp up deportations of Syrians, igniting a fierce debate over immigration policies just weeks after the new conservative government took office. Speaking to ARD, Vid accused Chancellor Friedrich Matz of failing to deliver on his promises to curb irregular immigration and significantly increase deportations, a key issue during the recent election campaign.

With approximately 215,000 Syrians currently residing in Germany, Vid’s call to action suggests that these individuals, labeled as “required to leave,” should be swiftly deported. “For 10 years, everyone has been let in. We need to deport everyone who is required to leave the country,” she declared, intensifying pressure on the government to act. This demand comes amid rising concerns in Germany about who has the right to remain, as the AfD seeks to reclaim its position as the leading voice on immigration.

Political correspondent Matthew Moore highlighted the complexities surrounding these deportations, noting that the government is currently focused on deporting criminals rather than all Syrians. Despite the AfD’s aggressive stance, experts warn that the numbers they propose are unrealistic, complicating the already fraught landscape of immigration policy.

The backdrop to this urgent call is a growing public anxiety over immigration, which the new conservative government is attempting to address. However, the AfD’s far-right classification by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency adds a layer of controversy, as protests erupted during Vid’s interview, underscoring the divisive nature of the party’s rhetoric.

As tensions rise and the debate intensifies, the AfD’s strategy to capitalize on immigration fears could reshape the political landscape in Germany. The government now faces a critical moment to respond to these demands, with the potential to significantly impact the lives of thousands of Syrians in the country.