German Chancellor Backs Culture Minister Amid Bookstore Prize Controversy

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly expressed confidence in Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer, who has faced criticism for recent decisions. During a parliamentary session, Merz stated that Weimer retains his trust, acknowledging that the minister's role inevitably involves contentious debates when expressing opinions and making decisions that may not receive universal approval. The chancellor noted that Weimer's actions in cultural and media matters often gain significant support, which he shares. This statement followed controversy over Weimer's intervention in the German Bookstore Prize, where he removed three left-leaning bookstores from the award list due to concerns related to constitutional protection. In response to questions from the AfD parliamentary group about awards to other left-oriented stores, Merz emphasized that bookstores typically sell diverse publications regardless of owners' political views, calling this normal practice. He clarified that he would not support excluding additional bookstores from prize consideration based on political orientation. The chancellor confirmed ongoing discussions with Weimer about these matters, while recognizing that cultural ministers naturally attract controversy when engaging in difficult debates.