Legislative in Germany: the citizen dream of Syrian refugees

Audio 01:17

Tareq Alaows, candidate for deputy to the German Federal Parliament for the elections of September 26, 2021, fled the civil war in 2015. AP - Markus Schreiber

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

The Germans vote this Sunday, September 26 to elect their new Parliament.

This election will mark the end of the Merkel era.

The Chancellor will retire after 16 years at the helm of the country.

Angela Merkel will be remembered, among others, as the one who opened the doors of Germany to more than 800,000 Syrian refugees who fled their country at war in 2015. Among the refugees of working age, more than one out of two now have a job and some dream of becoming full citizens. 

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With our special

correspondent

in Cologne,

Anastasia Becchio

Salah Hajji Mustafa proudly displays his diplomas obtained since his arrival in Germany.

The pile is thick.

The 36-year-old from near Aleppo is pursuing university studies while working in the social sector and helping refugees.

But the thing he seems most proud of is his brand new German passport.

" 

I am happy to have been naturalized because I will be able to participate in the democratic debate, I will vote,"

he rejoices.

This is the first time in my life that I feel good, because I can vote in a democratic system, that my voice will really be counted and not thrown in the trash.

"

►

See also: Floods in Germany: the outpouring of solidarity from Syrian refugees towards the victims

" 

I will be able to go and vote

 "

Beside him, Mohammed Alikaj, 28, who fled Aleppo with part of his family, also received the precious and timely sesame.

“ 

About a month ago, I received my German passport and I was happy that it came out then, because I will be able to go and vote.

This is the first time in my life that I vote and in addition it is a democratic election.

 "

Sami Alkurdi, 29, is chomping at the bit.

The young pharmacist hopes to get his passport by the end of the year.

“

I am very interested in German politics.

I watch TV and think a lot about what can be improved.

 "

Last year, 6,700 Syrian refugees were naturalized in Germany.

A figure which should increase in the years to come.

►

To read also: What will remain of Angela Merkel in 2021, after 16 years at the head of Germany?

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  • Germany

  • Syria

  • Refugees

  • Angela Merkel