Kida Khodr Ramadan: His children keep him in Germany

The German-Lebanese actor Kida Khodr Ramadan (48) sees developments in Germany with growing concern. “I have a lot to thank Germany for. Nevertheless, I would probably leave this country now if I didn’t have small children,” explains the “4 Blocks” star. However, he doesn’t know where to go: “It’s very tough everywhere right now and there’s a lot of racism all over the world.”

He is particularly worried about the current mood in Germany: “Racism is being shown more clearly, the neighbor no longer has a problem saying that he is an AfD voter.” His 14-year-old son also feels this development. He now asks him why people see him as something different, since he speaks German just as well as they do: “It’s really difficult to explain to a child why there is a party that doesn’t like him.”

Kida Khodr Ramadan: “If you are successful in Germany, you have a problem”

At the same time, the actor criticizes the way successful people are treated in this country: “If you are successful in Germany, you have a problem. Then they want to get you down straight away.” The German mentality obviously bothers him to some extent in this regard: “The German, even if I am one myself, remains very discreet. He thinks everything is great, perfect, but he still finds a little hole to poke into.” That’s really sad, says Ramadan.

Nevertheless, the 48-year-old also emphasizes his gratitude to Germany. Having come to Germany as a refugee child in the 1970s, he naturally appreciates the advantages: “In Germany you can go to the doctor if you are sick, there is a system that works great in comparison. And I can have my opinion here “You can’t say that in other countries.” He also positively highlights former Chancellor Angela Merkel (70). She had a good refugee policy and he was a big fan: “She did good. At the beginning they hated her a bit. But in the end her results were there.” For him, Olaf Scholz is not Federal Chancellor: “I don’t even notice him.”

Ramadan has been in prison since August after he was sentenced to prison for repeatedly driving without a license. Nevertheless, he is currently allowed to promote his new film “Haltlos”, which will be released in cinemas on October 26th and premiered in Berlin at the beginning of the week – with Ramadan on site. “I am treated like any other inmate,” he says of his prison situation. “I will serve my sentence and I don’t need any pity. Just patience.” He makes a clear appeal to his fans: “And if there are people out there who see me as a role model, then hopefully not in this regard. My art one hundred percent, but no one should get into a car without a driver’s license.”