"Worse than Germany in 1945": What is the truth behind Feidful's statement about Syria?
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) sparked a wave of controversy after stating that Syria today looks "worse than Germany in 1945." He explained that the extent of the current destruction makes it impossible to quickly return refugees. However, critics considered his statement exaggerated and questioned whether it accurately reflects reality.
In 1945, Germany was completely devastated. Cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Cologne were turned into ruins, 7.5 million homes were destroyed, and about 500,000 people were killed in air raids. The infrastructure completely collapsed – railways, bridges, and factories were out of service, and epidemics spread amid a severe shortage of food and medical care. The country also faced a huge challenge in resettling 12 million refugees after the war.
As for Syria in 2025, its situation is different but no less dire. The United Nations estimates that half of the homes – about seven million – have been destroyed. More than 618,000 people have been killed during the civil war, and half of the healthcare facilities have been destroyed. The economy has contracted by 50 percent since 2010, while the infrastructure remains in a state of near-total collapse.
The humanitarian aspect is also tragic. There are about 6.7 million displaced people inside Syria, in addition to six million refugees abroad, which is equivalent to half of the population. Germany faced similar conditions in 1945, but it was able to rise again thanks to massive American support through the Marshall Plan. Meanwhile, Syria today lacks any similar support or unified leadership capable of reconstruction.
The political debate continues. Johan Feidvol asserts that the destruction of Syria makes the return of refugees unrealistic at this time, while advisor Mertens believes that Syrians must eventually return to rebuild their homeland. Experts see both as correct – Syria's recovery is essential, but it will not happen without broad international support, just as Germany did not recover after 1945 without outside assistance.