The outgoing Anti-Gypsyism Commissioner of the German government, Mehmet Daimagüler, has criticized the ongoing discrimination of Sinti and Roma in Germany. In an interview with “Frankfurter Rundschau” (Monday edition), Daimagüler said: “There is anti-Gypsyism everywhere, in all areas of life. It is striking how it comes so naturally, with the motto ‘One will still be allowed to use the Z-word’.”
Daimagüler also highlighted that anti-Gypsyism is prevalent in state institutions. He mentioned that there are guidelines at job agencies on how to exclude Balkan migrants, who are often read as Roma, from the labor market. He also pointed out cases of police violence and incidents at schools and educational institutions.
Daimagüler expressed his irritation over the neglect of this population group in the coalition agreement between the Union and the SPD. “All the progress of the past years is the result of a cross-party democratic consensus. Therefore, I am somewhat irritated by the coalition agreement, which does not mention Sinti and Roma” said the government commissioner.
The coalition agreement, for example, holds a commitment to the culture of remembrance, specifically referring to the Shoah, the genocide of the Jews of Europe. “Many younger Sinti and Roma have the impression that the victims of the genocide of the Sinti and Roma of Europe are treated as second-class victims and I can understand that” Daimagüler said.
Daimagüler was the first Anti-Gypsyism Commissioner of a German government. His term will end with the election of a new government, which is expected to happen on Tuesday. Daimagüler sees it as a success that Sinti and Roma have become a topic on the political agenda. He said to the “Frankfurter Rundschau”: “Even the existence of my office has certainly contributed to the fact that more affected people feel empowered to articulate what they experience.