German Culture Minister Receives Political Support Amid Bookstore Prize Controversy

German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer received backing from CDU and AfD politicians during a Bundestag debate regarding his decision to exclude three left-leaning bookstores from the German Bookstore Prize. CDU politician Johannes Volkmann expressed full support for Weimer's actions, while AfD representative Ronald Gläser also praised the minister. Weimer had excluded bookstores in Berlin, Bremen, and Göttingen citing security concerns, though he acknowledged not knowing specific allegations. Opposition parties including the Greens and Left Party called for his resignation, with SPD politician Holger Mann criticizing Weimer's approach to cultural institutions. The minister did not speak during the parliamentary session.