Unsettled Problems in Party Politics
June 11, 2002
Many members of the opposition Free Democrats FDP had hoped to finally alleviate the tensions with the Central Council of Jews in Germany. With federal elections coming up in September, the FDP wants to get on with campaigning – and doesn't need the bad press.
FDP party leader Guido Westerwelle invited the Council's President Paul Spiegel and his deputy, Michel Friedman, for conciliatory talks in Berlin on Tuesday.
FDP deputy leader Jürgen Möllemann was not asked to attend. He triggered the conflict by saying Israel was fuelling anti-Jewish sentiment through its actions against Palestinians. He had also offended Friedman for his "spiteful manner" and suggested he encouraged anti-Semitism with his words.
An improvement, but no solution
According to Spiegel, the atmosphere during the one-and-a-half hour talk was "friendly". Although issues were addressed openly, he said they hadn't reached agreement on everything. "For us, the problem isn't solved."
The Council president said the question remained open whether Möllemann should stay on as deputy party leader. But Westerwelle has said this is not an option.
Friedman also called for sanctions against Möllemann. Otherwise, action taken so far was not "politically substantiated". But he determined following the meeting that a "noticeable sensitivity" had taken place in the FDP.
These sentiments were shared by Spiegel. He said he recognized that many members at the top of the FDP wanted to clarify the conflict. Both sides have agreed on further meetings on an irregular basis.