Fired from the role of Anti-Semitism Commissioner
In a recent development, the German Left Party has found itself embroiled in a controversy surrounding its antisemitism commissioner, Andreas Buettner.
During the party's federal conference in May, Buettner faced criticism for his stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He called for a halt to displacement and famine, urging the implementation of international law. However, this statement has sparked a debate within the party, with some members questioning his approach.
One of the points of contention is a post by Buettner on the X portal, where he expressed his view that recognizing a state of Palestine would be the worst step. This statement, according to some party members, violates party resolutions and ignores international law.
The controversy deepened when nine members from various German states, including Brandenburg, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, called for Buettner's expulsion. They objected to his criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organisation that Israel has accused of being infiltrated by the Islamist Hamas.
Buettner, however, defended his position, stating that party resolutions bind the party executive, but not every individual member. He reiterated that the Left Party stands firmly against antisemitism and supports the oppressed peoples.
The Left Party's party program is clear on this matter, stating that it stands irrevocably on the side of oppressed peoples. The resolution also condemns the use of starving the civilian population as a method to accelerate the destruction of all Palestinians' livelihoods.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Left Party and Buettner face pressure to clarify their positions and address the concerns raised by the nine members. The party's response and Buettner's defence of his stance will likely shape the future of this ongoing debate.
- The ongoing debate within the German Left Party regarding antisemitism commissioner Andreas Buettner's stance on the conflict in Gaza has escalated, with some members questioning his approach and accusing him of violating party resolutions by ignoring international law and advocating against recognizing a state of Palestine.
- The controversy deepened as nine members from various German states called for Buettner's expulsion, citing his criticism of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), an organization Israel has accused of being infiltrated by the Islamist Hamas, and his statement that recognizing a state of Palestine would be the worst step.
