Veteran German actress Iris Berben has delivered a pointed critique of the contemporary political left, arguing that it has lost touch with core issues affecting everyday citizens. In an interview with the weekly newspaper “Die Zeit”, Berben stated that the left appears to have prioritized concerns that resonate with a diminishing segment of the population, while neglecting vital areas such as affordable housing, education, job creation, infrastructure and healthcare. The 75-year-old actress, who continues to identify as left-leaning, suggested this disconnect has generated considerable public frustration.
Berben also expressed concern about a perceived tendency towards “patronizing attitudes” and a negativity towards enjoyment and pleasure within certain left-leaning circles. She argued that activities traditionally associated with enjoyment, such as good food, travel, humor and even harmless flirtation, are increasingly subject to moral scrutiny. She further distanced herself from the debate surrounding gender-sensitive language, stating, “I have worked with language my entire life: such nonsense offends my linguistic sensibility – and my intellect.
A particularly strong element of her criticism focused on antisemitism within the left-leaning political spectrum. Berben described a long-standing discomfort with attitudes towards Israel and Jewish people, stating that antisemitic sentiments have historically been present within the left and are now resurfacing, regrettably and paradoxically, on that side of the political landscape.