A Controversy Erupts Over a Party Leader’s Remarks
The SPD’s general secretary, Matthias Miersch, has made serious accusations against the CDU and Focus Online in the “Hofnarr” controversy. Miersch expressed his astonishment at how Joe Chialo, the Berlin cultural senator, is being instrumentalized for a campaign, particularly by the CDU, the SPD general secretary told the Spiegel.
The background to the controversy is a private birthday party in early February, where Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) allegedly referred to Chialo as a “Hofnarr” (jester). The CDU has accused Scholz of racism, a charge he strongly denies.
“Joe Chialo has spoken out and clearly stated that he does not consider Olaf Scholz a racist” Miersch told the Spiegel. Chialo also said the matter is closed for him. Miersch accuses Focus Online of running a scandalized campaign, which the CDU is willing to ride in the election campaign, he said.
Scholz has made it clear that he regrets if his words were hurtful, Miersch said. The SPD general secretary emphasized that antiracism is an ongoing task that requires constant self-reflection and the recognition of unconscious patterns of thought. “It is also important not to work with double standards in the political debate” he added.
Chialo has called for a fair election campaign and the SPD explicitly shares this appeal, Miersch said.