He wants to leave the Greens and take a break. This Tuesday, Tübingen’s Mayor Boris Palmer called in sick. This was preceded by another scandal from the 50-year-old. At a conference in Frankfurt am Main, he used the N-word and responded to shouts of “Nazis out” with: “It’s nothing more than the Jewish star. And that’s because I used a word that you attach everything else to . If you say the wrong word, you’re a Nazi.” He should have “never” talked like that, Palmer explained later – and drew consequences for himself. His withdrawal from the public is only logical, according to the comment columns of many German media. The press review:
Südwestrundfunk: “As always, you have to assume: Palmer knew what he was triggering. And it is absolutely understandable that even his Green party colleague Rezzo hose is now publicly announcing his friendship. Nonetheless – and be careful: now it seems to be paradoxical . Nevertheless, I think that not only Palmer has escalated. The debate has also reached an irritation and tone on the other side that is difficult to understand.”
Editorial network Germany: “The mayor from the south-west of the republic acts regularly with explosive material – and is then surprised when it explodes. Obviously, Boris Palmer is obeying a deeper inner compulsion. After all, his father was also inspired by the idea of ??sharing it with everyone else somehow have to show it. It only has a superficial connection to politics. Rather, it has to do with the tragedy of a son who, even at a mature age, still doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
“Die Zeit”: The still green has long since become a self-portrayal; someone that TV editors – or universities – call when they need a green, to annoy greens – or to represent opinions that otherwise represent the AfD but you don’t want to invite them. The Palmer show is of limited entertainment value, though. It’s time to scrap it and leave him in Tubingen.”
“Tagesspiegel”: “Boris Palmer is on the road again, looking for windmills, fighting against their wings. And takes everyone who tells him that for fools. Then comes with the Nazi club. He behaves like a fool. He should know better. Palmer is a leading politician, not a tragic hero. Just one with a sad content. Putting the Holocaust into perspective, using racist terms, there is a clear word for that: No. He forfeits his right to remain in office. So simple. Boris Palmer should be ashamed.”
“Süddeutsche Zeitung”: “Is Boris Palmer a racist or just not the brightest candle on the cake? A politician who acts progressively as mayor but regularly speaks reactionarily: This combination only exists with him in Germany. (…) Has the Mayor of Tübingen got it now, after an unbelievably long time? On Monday evening he first announced a break, then his resignation from the party. After all, both are honorable.”
“Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”: “With his behavior, however, Palmer cuts the ground from a serious debate. Despite re-election, the successful local politician is now more isolated than ever. His resignation from the Green Party preempts a new exclusion process. In Tübingen, too, there is little will Anyone else work with him. A lot of media contributed to this, for which Rabatz is the decisive criterion. But Palmer bears the responsibility for his crash.”
