The CDU’s top candidate for Berlin’s election on September 20, Stefan Evers, accused The Left of “refusing to face reality” when it comes to Islamism. The incident stemmed from a post by The Left’s Neukölln district group reacting to the terrorist attack near the Christopher Street Day parade, which initially did not point to the suspected Islamist background.
“Name the problem for what it is”
Evers argued that The Left has not understood the issue and lacks the courage to name it clearly. Berlin is facing a growing problem with Islamism and with an increasing willingness to use violence. “And if we won’t name it for what it is, then we won’t be able to solve the problem.”
The Neukölln district association of The Left in Berlin had posted a reaction on Instagram on Sunday to the attack. “With the rise of the right and antifeminist forces, queer and transphobia are also rising dramatically,” the post read. “The deliberate spread of queer- and transphobic ideology by right-wing and conservative actors is laying the groundwork for attacks like yesterday’s.”
The Left issues a clarification; Greens critique
Following critical comments, The Left added a clarification a day later to the post: “When we speak of the rise of right-wing and antifeminist forces, IS and other reactionary Islamist-fundamentalist groups clearly belong in that frame for us, whose misogynistic, queer- and transphobic, and oppressive worldview we reject and oppose.” And further: “We condemn this attack most severely. We stand unequivocally on the side of queer people.”
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The Greens, meanwhile, criticized the CDU for allegedly exploiting the attack for its campaign. “I am disappointed that it only takes about a day and a half for the CDU under Stefan Evers to switch into campaign mode,” said Werner Graf, the Greens’ top candidate who is also the current leader of the parliamentary group. “Instead of strengthening social cohesion in response to this terrible attack on the CSD, where one person died and many were injured, he falls back into cheap attack-mode against his political rivals. That is beneath us.”
On Sunday, Berlin showed “what is possible when people stand in solidarity in such a difficult moment,” Graf continued. “Today, all of that seems forgotten for Stefan Evers.”
SPD backs Evers
In turn, the SPD criticized the Left’s original posting. “The statement from The Left’s Neukölln after the CSD attack leaves me speechless,” said Janine Wolter, the SPD candidate for Neukölln district mayor. “Every form of extremism, political or religious, that endangers our open, pluralistic and democratic society must be fought decisively. This only happens if the motives of the act are named and taken seriously. Islamist extremism and religious radicalization must be fought firmly across all levels of society and politics, and queer life must be protected consistently.”
