A recent internal conflict within the German Green Party has led to a high-ranking official’s resignation and a public outcry. Stefan Gelbhaar, a member of the Bundestag, stepped down after facing unfounded and damaging accusations of sexual harassment. The alleged denouncer of Gelbhaar, Shirin Kreße, surprisingly left the party, citing a desire to avoid causing harm to the party and victims of sexual violence.
Özcan Mutlu, a long-time member of the Green Party, has now resigned, citing “toxic power structures” within the party. In an open letter, Mutlu accused the party of having a deep-seated problem with personal attacks and strategic manipulation of information. He claimed that the party’s leadership often prioritizes its own interests over integrity, fairness, and decency.
Mutlu’s resignation comes as a blow to the party’s election campaign, as he had been a prominent figure in the Berlin Greens. He accused the party of having a pattern of behavior, where false and strategically placed accusations are made to damage the reputation of a targeted individual, while the accused is given little chance to defend themselves.
The party’s leadership has been criticized for its handling of the situation, with some accusing them of being unprofessional and evasive in their responses to direct questions. The party’s two co-chairs, Felix Banaszak and Franziska Brantner, were recently seen struggling to answer questions about the matter, stating that they could not make any statements due to the ongoing investigation.
Mutlu’s open letter has sparked a wider debate about the party’s internal dynamics and the treatment of its members. The controversy has also raised questions about the party’s commitment to transparency and fairness.