Dreyer expresses regret - No doubts about Raab's statements
Following criticism of Rhineland-Palatinate State Secretary Heike Raab over a letter to SWR, Minister President Malu Dreyer (both SPD) has commented on the matter. According to the State Chancellery in Mainz on Friday, Dreyer said that she took the public discussion about the letter very seriously and had been informed by Raab about the latest events. She had no reason to doubt Raab's statements.
Raab had affirmed how much she regretted that a false impression could arise, the statement continued. Raab had also publicly acknowledged mistakes, resigned from her position at SWR and explained how committed she was to free and independent media. "I support this step," said Dreyer, according to the state chancellery. "As Minister President, I also regret that the impression of influence could arise. "You know that I stand for independent journalism without any ifs or buts, and that applies to public broadcasting just as much as it does to private media or our diverse newspaper landscape."
Raab is the state's representative to the federal government and for Europe and the media and is also the coordinator of the Broadcasting Commission of the federal states. This makes her one of the most important media politicians in Germany. She recently came under fire for a critical letter on the official letterhead of the state government to the Rhineland-Palatinate state broadcaster SWR director Ulla Fiebig.
The letter was about a report on SWR television with a political correspondent from the broadcaster, in which the political future of SPD politician Roger Lewentz was also discussed. He had resigned as Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister in connection with the Ahr Valley flood disaster.
After the letter became known, there were calls for his resignation from the opposition. They see the letter as an attempt to influence reporting. On Thursday, Raab announced that he was withdrawing from the SWR committees - the Administrative Board and the Rhineland-Palatinate State Broadcasting Council. On Wednesday (December 6), the state parliament in Mainz will deal with the issue in a special session requested by the CDU and Free Voters parliamentary groups.
- As the state's representative to the federal government and for Europe and the media, Raab holds a significant position in German media politics, including her role as the coordinator of the Broadcasting Commission of the federal states, encompassing both public broadcasters like ARD and SWR.
- The controversy surrounding Raab's critical letter to SWR's director has prompted discussions within the German parliament, with the CDU and Free Voters parliamentary groups requesting a special session on December 6 to address the matter.
- Dreyer, in her support for Raab's steps, reaffirmed her commitment to free and independent media, emphasizing that her position as Minister President is also rooted in the belief that independent journalism is essential for both public and private media outlets, such as SWR and ARD.
Source: www.dpa.com
