Politics · Germany · 5 hrs ago
Left Party sues German minister over remark about Berlin candidate
After the Left Party won the Berlin election, its mayoral candidate Elif Eralp was discussed on a political TV show.
The host accidentally said Eralp claimed to be antisemitic, then immediately corrected herself.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt replied, “Well, yes she is.”
The Left Party has sued him, arguing that his words falsely suggested Eralp considered herself antisemitic and could harm her standing as she tries to form a government in Berlin.
The party has faced other accusations of antisemitism from center-right politicians, including over a campaign event where a rapper chanted “Death to the IDF.”
German criminal law allows cases involving insult and defamation, but legal experts say political speech receives broad protection and such cases often have little chance of success.
The available information does not say what will happen next in the lawsuit.
The Left Party has sued German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt over his remark about its Berlin mayoral candidate, Elif Eralp.
Dobrindt said “well, yes she is” after a television host corrected herself for saying Eralp was an antisemite.
The party’s lawyers argue the remark falsely suggested Eralp considered herself antisemitic and could undermine her integrity and efforts to form a Berlin government.
The exchange took place on a political talk show shortly after the Left Party won the Berlin election on September 20.
- Who
- The Left Party is suing Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt over a remark about its Berlin mayoral candidate, Elif Eralp.
- What
- The party says Dobrindt’s remark amounted to defamation.
- When
- Shortly after the Berlin election on September 20. The sources do not state the year of the exchange.
- Where
- On a political television talk show about the Berlin election.
- Why
- The Left Party says the remark falsely suggested Eralp considered herself antisemitic and could harm her political standing and efforts to form a government.
Left Party
Alexander Dobrindt
Meaning of the remark
Left Party
The party argues Dobrindt’s words falsely suggested Eralp considered herself antisemitic and defamed her.
Alexander Dobrindt
Dobrindt responded “well, yes she is” after the host said Eralp was not an antisemite.
Elif Eralp says she is an antisemite…. She is not an antisemite.
Na doch
The Left Party won the Berlin election.
On a political television talk show, host Maybrit Illner corrected herself after describing Eralp as an antisemite, and Dobrindt responded, “Na doch.
The Left Party’s lawyers filed a lawsuit, arguing that Dobrindt’s remark defamed Eralp.
- Candidate
- Elif Eralp
- Minister
- Alexander Dobrindt, of the Christian Social Union
- Election
- The Left Party won the Berlin election on September 20
- Remark
- Dobrindt said “Na doch” (or “well, yes she is”)
- Legal claim
- The Left Party argues the remark was defamation and could undermine Eralp’s integrity and efforts to form a Berlin government
Sources
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