Berlin culture minister resigns over irregular distribution of funds to fight antisemitism
Summary
Sarah Wedl-Wilson, Berlin’s culture senator, resigned after a report found €2.6 million in funds to fight antisemitism were given out in an irregular and unlawful way. The controversy involved political pressure and included funding to groups with questionable backgrounds, leading to public criticism and the firing of a state secretary.Key Facts
- Sarah Wedl-Wilson resigned as Berlin’s culture senator over a funding scandal.
- €2.6 million was irregularly and unlawfully distributed to 13 projects fighting antisemitism.
- The funding list was influenced by lawmakers from the Christian Democrats (CDU).
- Oliver Friederici, a state secretary, was fired over the issue but called a scapegoat by the opposition.
- The Zera Institute, one funded group, had leaders involved in controversial antisemitic and political statements.
- The audit focused on the distribution process, not the quality of the projects.
- Berlin’s mayor, Kai Wegner, accepted Wedl-Wilson’s resignation and must find a new culture senator.
- Antisemitic attacks have risen in Germany since the 2023 Hamas attacks and Gaza war.
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