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In a significant step towards fostering equality and social inclusion, Rhineland-Palatinate, a state in western Germany, has appointed Michael Hartmann as its first anti-Ziganism commissioner. The role is designed to combat and overcome anti-Ziganism, a form of discrimination that affects a diverse group, including Sinti and Roma, marginalised minorities like Jenische, occupational groups such as showmen, and people with east or southeast European migration backgrounds.
The appointment comes amidst a growing concern over the rise in incidents of incitement and attacks against this minority. According to the Reporting and Information Office, there were 52 cases recorded in 2024, a stark increase from the 11 cases reported in 2022.
Hartmann, serving in the Ministry of the Interior's department for cross-border cooperation and national minorities, aims to address this issue by focusing on several core objectives. These include political education and remembrance culture, challenging stereotypes and prejudice, and promoting social inclusion and equal rights.
Through educational initiatives and efforts to preserve the memory of the experiences of Sinti and Roma, particularly regarding persecution and marginalization, Hartmann hopes to raise awareness about the history and discrimination faced by this community. He also aims to work against prevalent stereotypes, such as unfounded perceptions of their mobility and lifestyle, which contribute to ongoing discrimination and social exclusion.
In addition, Hartmann wants to advocate for equal treatment of Sinti and Roma in society, ensuring access to education, housing, and employment, and full participation in regional life. These goals reflect a broader commitment in Rhineland-Palatinate to address historic injustices and foster a society free from anti-Roma hatred and discrimination.
It is important to note that Sinti and Roma have a long history in Germany and Rhineland-Palatinate, dating back over 600 years. However, their history has often been painful, with the Winterstein family from the Pfalz being used as an example by Hartmann where returnees were denied their homes and assigned to campsites.
Hartmann acknowledges the deep-rooted mistrust among Sinti and Roma towards state institutions, which can be traced back to historical experiences, such as being denied means and recognition after World War II. To help reduce this mistrust, Hartmann is not here to work with associations, but to serve as a point of contact for the threatened Sinti and Roma community.
The position of the anti-Ziganism commissioner is part of the new state law for the protection and equal participation of Sinti and Roma. Hartmann encourages affected persons to report cases of perceived disadvantage, mainly below the criminal threshold, to help monitor and understand the problem better.
For Delfeld from the Association of German Sinti and Roma, the main goals are the combat and overcoming of anti-Ziganism and the promotion and strengthening of the participation of Sinti and Roma. Notable figures like the Reinhard musician family, former German Wine Queen Angelina, and Green politician Romeo Franz also reside in Rhineland-Palatinate.
Currently, approximately 20,000 Sinti and Roma reside in Rhineland-Palatinate, a testament to the rich cultural diversity of the state. Hartmann believes that the Chair of Modern History at Mainz University should contribute to historical research and teaching regarding Sinti and Roma to further promote understanding and acceptance within the community.
- Michael Hartmann, the new anti-Ziganism commissioner in Rhineland-Palatinate, plans to address discrimination against Sinti and Roma by promoting social inclusion, equal rights, and political education, with a focus on challenging stereotypes related to their lifestyle and mobility.
- In addition to combating prejudice, Hartmann aims to ensure access to education, housing, and employment for Sinti and Roma, working towards eliminating historic injustices and fostering a society free from anti-Roma hatred and discrimination.
- To counteract deep-rooted mistrust towards state institutions among Sinti and Roma, Hartmann will serve as a point of contact for the threatened community and encourages affected persons to report perceived disadvantages.
- Hartmann sees the Chair of Modern History at Mainz University as an opportunity to promote historical research and teaching about Sinti and Roma, thereby fostering understanding and acceptance within the community and beyond, encompassing aspects like fashion-and-beauty, books, social-media, entertainment, celebrities, pop-culture, sci-fi-and-fantasy, and lifestyle.
