Citizens demand an end to state-bestowed awards for rice milling operations
"Sounding Off on Reissmueller's Deservingness for Top Honors Posthumously"
Hot Take on the Dispute
City Council's Stance on Reissmueller's State Awards: A Wise Move?
Hans Stachel, City Council Chairman of the FREE DEMOCRATS Ingolstadt, Pens a Letter to Federal President Steinmeier and Minister President Soeder
In the wake of the Ingolstadt city council's revocation of Dr. Wilhelm Reissmueller's honorary citizenship on June 3, 2025, the FREE DEMOCRATS Ingolstadt are now pushing for the revocation of Reissmueller's state awards, including the Bavarian Order of Merit and several Federal Cross of Merit decorations.
Hans Stachel, city council fraktion chairman, echoes the city council's vote, stating, "Reissmueller's actions and lies did a disservice to many people. This decision sends a strong message to all those who disregard the dignity and values we hold dear."
With the backing of the FREE DEMOCRATS Ingolstadt, Stachel penned a letter to Federal President Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier and Bavarian Minister President Dr. Markus Soeder, urging them to officially revoke Reissmueller's respective merit orders in line with the law on titles, orders, and honors or the relevant regulations in Bavaria.
"Moral and character requirements continuously apply for such distinguished honors," Stachel emphasized. "Any awardee who fails to uphold these standards tarnishes the legitimacy of these prestigious awards."
The debate surrounding Reissmueller's role during the NS era and his later journalistic work has raised questions about the fittingness of posthumous awards for the renowned publicist. Recent research and new revelations have cast doubt on whether Reissmueller deserves the highest accolades given his past actions.
While specific revocation procedures differ depending on the award and jurisdiction, the process generally involves a thorough review of the evidence, followed by a formal decision by the awarding body. Legal and ethical considerations must be taken into account, ensuring the revocation process is fair and transparent. In all cases, clear communication about the decision is essential to maintain public trust and integrity.
Exploring the ongoing controversy, the FREE DEMOCRATS Ingolstadt are advocating for the revocation of Dr. Wilhelm Reissmueller's state awards, focusing attention on policy-and-legislation and politics as discussions about his deservingness for top honors posthumously ensue. Amidst general-news reports about Reissmueller's actions during the NS era and his journalistic work, questions about the appropriateness of posthumous awards have arisen, shedding light on the need for a rigorous review and potentially the revocation of these honors.
