Greens Co-Chair Defends Claudia Roth Amid Criticism Over Remarks
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Franziska Brantner, co-chair of Germany's Green Party, defended party colleague Claudia Roth against criticism for remarks about historical guilt and Israel. Roth's statements in a podcast, including questioning the "guilt of history" and retracting criticism of speakers at the Berlinale, had caused internal backlash. Brantner emphasized Roth's commitment to confronting history and affirmed Israel's right to exist, while also praising the Central Council of Jews, whom Roth had criticized. The party leadership acknowledged the controversy and the need for internal discussion.
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- Greens co-chair Franziska Brantner defended Claudia Roth against criticism for controversial remarks.
- Roth questioned the "guilt of history" and retracted criticism of speakers at the Berlinale.
- Brantner emphasized Roth's commitment to confronting German history and affirmed Israel's right to exist.
- Roth had criticized the Central Council of Jews for exerting "unfathomable pressure" on her.
- Party members expressed irritation, accusing Roth of fueling "secondary antisemitism."
Franziska Brantner, the federal chairwoman of Germany's Alliance 90/The Greens party, defended party colleague Claudia Roth against criticism for recent controversial statements. Roth had made remarks in a podcast that sparked internal party backlash. Brantner stated that Roth was unfairly equated with historical revisionists, emphasizing Roth's lifelong commitment to confronting German history and responsibility.
Roth's comments, made on the podcast "Jung & Naiv," included questioning why friends urged her to "finally free yourself from this guilt of history" and to "deal with it differently." She also retracted criticism of a director who spoke of apartheid and a Palestinian who spoke of genocide at the 2024 Berlinale film festival, though she stated she did not justify "what is happening in the Gaza Strip."
Brantner acknowledged the issue had occupied her and the party's federal board. Previously, she had deferred questions about Roth's statements to a press release from Roth herself, who had called accusations against her "absolutely unacceptable." Brantner clarified that a "line cannot be drawn" under the Holocaust, but rather that responsibility must be drawn from it, emphasizing the importance of international law, human rights, and Israel's right to exist.
Roth had also criticized the Central Council of Jews in Germany, accusing them of exerting "unfathomable pressure" regarding the Berlinale and of orchestrating her booing at the Jewrovision festival. She agreed with the interviewer's suggestion that the term antisemitism is used to silence critics of Israel. Brantner, however, praised the Central Council of Jews for its significant role and voice in public discourse.
Brantner's statement was the first from the party leadership regarding Roth's interview. A letter from party members, including former officials, expressed deep irritation over Roth's remarks, accusing her of fueling "secondary antisemitism." Brantner did not directly address the signatories' call for the party leadership to publicly contradict Roth's statements, instead noting the party's clear resolutions and its capacity for internal discussion.
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