German Cultural Minister Faces Criticism for Interfering with Independent Jury Decisions

German cultural minister Wolfram Weimer is facing renewed criticism from Green and Left party politicians for interfering with independent jury decisions regarding cultural funding. The controversy stems from a report that representatives from Weimer's office revised a jury selection by the Hauptstadtkulturfonds, specifically delaying funding for a translation project by Palestinian authors. Politicians argue this undermines the principle of state distance in cultural funding, which is protected under Germany's constitution. The jury of the Hauptstadtkulturfonds issued a statement opposing any political interference in independent expert panels. Weimer's spokesperson stated that jury selections are only recommendations, not binding decisions.