Aydan Özuguz apologized for her anti-Israel post. But many politicians cannot forgive her. Mützenich is now trying to smooth things over.
SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich described the heavily criticized Israel-critical contribution by the Social Democratic Bundestag Vice President Aydan Özuguz as a mistake and at the same time defended her against calls for her resignation. “I am very happy that Ms. Özuguz apologized so quickly and so clearly to the Council of Elders of the German Bundestag, but also to the Central Council of Jews, its President Josef Schuster and also the public for sharing this Instagram post,” Mützenich told the “Augsburger Allgemeine” on Saturday.
“This apology was also urgently needed because one cannot point out the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza with a representation that comes from a racist and anti-Semitic side that continually stirs up hatred,” Mützenich continued. “That was a mistake and Ms. Özuguz admitted to it,” said Mützenich.
At the same time, the SPD parliamentary group leader stated that he saw no need for personnel consequences after the Bundestag Vice President’s apology. “I think Ms. Özuguz has realized that something like this must not happen again,” Mützenich continued.
Union called for Aydan Özuguz’s resignation
On Thursday, Özoguz reposted a post from the anti-Israel organization “Jewish Voice for Peace” via her X account. One photo shows a flaming inferno with the phrase “This is Zionism” written on it. Özoguz’s post was later deleted. The group “Jewish Voice for Peace” sees itself as Jewish, left-wing and anti-Zionist. It views the occupation of the Palestinian territories as Israeli apartheid and supports calls for a boycott against Israel.
After the publication of the article, Özoguz came under great pressure, and there was also criticism from her own party. There were calls for resignation from the Union. The Central Council of Jews spoke of a “derailment”.
“The Vice President of the German Bundestag has a high moral responsibility and does not represent her parliamentary group, but the entire House,” continued Mützenich. “That’s why in this office you have to pay particular attention to your choice of words and your behavior.”
Source: Stern
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