The cause of Hubert Aiwanger is not off the table yet. After his statement on the anti-Semitic flyer from his school days, the pressure is still great – including on his boss Markus Söder.
Now Markus Söder comes into focus. After the statements by Bavaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Hubert Aiwanger on an anti-Semitic flyer from school days, the Greens, SPD and FDP are demanding a statement from the Prime Minister – and immediately. Depending on how this turns out, the three opposition groups then want to decide on a possible request for a special session in the state parliament.
“For us, a special session is still on the table. But first, Markus Söder has to speak out – and soon,” said Green Party leader Katharina Schulze of the German Press Agency in Munich. FDP parliamentary group leader Martin Hagen also emphasized: “The ball is in the prime minister’s hands. He has to declare himself a scandal surrounding his deputy on Monday. Depending on his reaction, we will discuss whether to convene a special meeting.”
“The goal is the dismissal of Hubert Aiwanger”
The SPD was the first to speak out for a special session. The SPD parliamentary group leader had already voted unanimously for it, said parliamentary group leader Florian von Brunn. “The aim is to put Hubert Aiwanger’s dismissal on the state parliament’s agenda so that the necessary consequences can be drawn – before even more damage is caused to Bavaria.” FDP and Greens initially wanted to wait for Söder’s reaction. “Their voices are necessary.” He then suggested that they short-circuit again on Monday.
Free voter boss Aiwanger (52) had written back on Saturday evening that he had written an anti-Semitic leaflet as a minor at school in the 1980s, which the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” (SZ) had reported on. “I did not write the paper in question and I consider the content to be disgusting and inhuman,” Aiwanger said in a statement.
Söder statement is still pending
At the same time, however, he admitted that “one or a few copies” were found in his school bag. Shortly thereafter, Aiwanger’s brother, who is one year older, admitted to having written the pamphlet: “I was really angry at the time because I had failed school.”
Söder, who had urged Aiwanger to provide comprehensive information on Saturday, did not comment on his statements on Sunday, although he had made several public appearances. Aiwanger also appeared publicly on Sunday, but did not say a word about the allegations in the room.
A new state parliament will be elected in Bavaria on October 8th. The CSU had always stated that it wanted to continue the coalition with the Free Voters after the election. All surveys left almost no doubt that this will also be possible – with the free voters were at 11 to 14 percent. The CSU has governed the Free State since the 2018 election together with the Free Voters.
Source: Stern
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