Berlin Opposition Claims Unlawful Influence in Antisemitism Funding Scandal
In Berlin's House of Representatives, The Left and The Greens have voiced stronger criticism regarding the funding scandal than the ruling black-red coalition following a parliamentary probe. They assert that former senators Joe Chialo (CDU) and Sarah Wedl-Wilson (independent) are not the sole individuals accountable for the improper distribution of funds aimed at antisemitism initiatives. Green member Daniel Wesener pointed out that CDU figures, such as Dirk Stettner and Christian Goiny, swayed funding choices within the cultural administration. A coalition review in July indicated no unauthorized influence from parliament members. The committee, formed in December 2025, revealed that 13 projects received 2.6 million euros unlawfully. Senator Wedl-Wilson stepped down on April 24, 2026, while Chialo faced a lawsuit for a 2,000 euro fine after declining to testify.
Key facts
- Greens and Left in Berlin's House of Representatives criticize the handling of the funding affair more sharply than the CDU/SPD coalition.
- They hold not only former senators Joe Chialo and Sarah Wedl-Wilson responsible but also CDU parliamentarians Dirk Stettner and Christian Goiny for undue influence.
- Committee chairwoman Manuela Schmidt speaks of boundary crossings and a violation of the separation of powers.
- The coalition factions CDU and SPD see no unauthorized influence from parliamentarians.
- The final report of the investigative committee will be debated in parliament on August 27.
- The committee was established in December 2025 to investigate the funding of projects against antisemitism.
- The State Audit Office described the funding of 13 projects with 2.6 million euros as 'evidently unlawful'.
- Senator Wedl-Wilson resigned on April 24; Chialo refused to testify and faces a fine of 2,000 euros.
Entities
Institutions
- Greens
- The Left
- Berlin House of Representatives
- CDU
- SPD
- State Audit Office
- Landgericht
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany