The official visit of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Germany's capital Berlin has stirred resentment and protests among the country's Kurdish population. Kurds accuse Sharaa of human rights violations and violence during the Syrian war, intensifying debates over his visit to Germany.

Meanwhile, fears about inflation are mounting in Germany. According to data from the Munich-based Ifo Institute, the price expectations index rose to 25.3 points in March, marking the highest level since March 2023. The institute's survey chief, Klaus Wohlrabe, stated that price pressure is rising noticeably, with the main driver being sharply higher prices for oil, gas, and electricity linked to the conflict involving Iran.

Wohlrabe added that elevated energy costs are likely to push inflation higher in the coming months, after previously easing price growth. This trend is particularly strong in industry, where the indicator leapt from 13 to 20 points, and also in construction and consumer-related services, indicating that firms are increasingly passing on higher costs to goods and services.

Sharaa's visit is part of Germany's purported efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with Syria, but this move faces domestic and international criticism. He previously met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, showcasing his international engagement. However, protests from Germany's Kurdish community highlight the social and political friction surrounding this visit, amid broader economic concerns over inflation.

Source: www.dw.com