Ryyan Alshebl left Syria in 2015 during the ongoing war and was elected mayor of Ostelsheim, Germany at the age of 29, eight years later. His goals include citizen engagement programs, climate-neutrality, and creating a united society.
Since Alshebl’s election, support for Germany’s ‘traffic-light’ coalition government of social democrats, Greens, and liberals has decreased, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to win regional elections. This has led to large protests against right-wing extremism in Germany.
In an interview with EUobserver from his office in Ostelsheim, Ryyan Alshebl discussed his journey, the threat of extremism, and humanitarian asylum systems.
Why did you leave Syria in 2015?
Initially, I had hope for democracy in Syria, but violence escalated, and it became dangerous to study or join the military. I decided to leave for Germany due to its strong economy and welcoming political message.
How did you reach Germany?
I flew to Turkey and then entered Greece irregularly before traveling through Balkan countries to Austria.
Did you receive legal advice upon arrival?
There was no legal advice, and Greece did not welcome us warmly, but I was able to move legally through the country.
After becoming mayor of Ostelsheim, you said the town set an example for Germany. What did you mean?
As a non-native, I faced discrimination, but the citizens of Ostelsheim voted based on qualifications, not origin. This showed openness and rationality in the face of extremism.
Do you see Germany’s democracy threatened by right-wing extremism?
The AfD could potentially harm democracy if they gain power, but most Germans reject extremism. The rise of the AfD reflects a broader trend in society.
Are European states fulfilling their duty to provide fair asylum processes?
No, the current asylum system is not always fair, and many seeking asylum face challenges.
What does this mean for asylum seekers arriving in Europe?
People flee their homes out of necessity, and it is important to provide a just and fair asylum process for each individual.
They leave their homes because the situation in their country forces them to — regardless of the conditions in countries like Germany.
Yet in Europe, we rarely discuss the causes of displacement. We focus on the symptoms, not the root of the issue. Fighting symptoms is not sustainable. So a policy like outsourcing asylum to third countries might temporarily reduce asylum numbers, and in the process worsen the lives of those fleeing precarious situations. But these measures won’t provide long-term solutions as long as the conditions in origin countries continue to be unstable.
During last year’s election campaign, the topic of your origin faded into the background and discussions focused on policies. What vision do you have at a local level?
Firstly, an engaged community. We’re in the process of asking each citizen how our town can be improved and what is especially important to them. Based on this information, we are developing a roadmap under the name “Ostelsheim 2030” — outlining aims for all areas of society, from childcare to public transport.
My primary goal is to be one of the first climate-neutral villages in [the state of] Baden-Württemburg. We have high levels of wind and solar power as well as ambitious citizens. This is not a hope, it is a very realistic target.
At international level, Europeans are voting in EU elections in June. Which role should Germany play as the bloc’s largest member state?
Amid the war in Ukraine, an energy crisis and the rightward shift in countries such as Italy and Sweden, Germany has remained moderate. Despite the uncertainty and societal division, Germany’s compass continues to point in a central direction.
At the end of Obama’s time in office, he said Angela Merkel was the leader of the free world. I believe this role will remain with Germany for the foreseeable future.
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