Criticism is mounting even among the governing coalition members following the revelation that Jens Spahn, the chair of the Union parliamentary group, participated in “Dialog” events hosted by controversial American billionaire Peter Thiel.
Ralf Stegner, an SPD foreign policy expert, stated to T-Online that everyone must be discerning about whom they choose to associate with, and this applies equally to Jens Spahn. Stegner added that this association casts a questionable light on the parliamentary leader of their coalition partner. According to Stegner, Thiel and his network represent an understanding of democracy that is incompatible with the principles of a liberal, pluralistic representative democracy, or with the foundational values of the rule of law and human dignity enshrined in the Basic Law. Stegner emphasized that whatever interest Spahn may have in these discussions, he must understand that none of it can result in shared policy within a coalition with the German Social Democrats. “On the contrary: the SPD resolutely fights against all of that,” he asserted.
The Greens’ domestic policy spokesman, Marcel Emmerich, offered an even sharper critique. Emmerich told T-Online that such meetings are “unworthy for a faction chairman.” He questioned the nature of these gatherings with “Thiel’s power circle,” asking whether Jens Spahn is serving the country or acting as an opening act for the interests of an anti-democratic and radical elite tech billionaire. Emmerich claims that Peter Thiel advocates for a billionaire rule where the interests of ordinary people are irrelevant, suggesting that his worldview aligns with fascist ideology and is therefore incompatible with the values of an open society. He concluded that Spahn needs to answer crucial questions about his stance, what was discussed there, and whether he wishes to maintain contact.
Janis Ehling, the Federal Secretary for the Left Party, also leveled fundamental and direct attacks against Spahn. Ehling told T-Online that the government is dealing with the most unpopular government in history, and Spahn personifies the lack of transparency and cronyism of power-hungry politicians like no other. Describing Spahn as “quite an imposition,” Ehling further criticized the disparity between his actions and the plight of regular citizens. He noted that while millions of people struggle with daily life and high prices, Spahn has spent years meeting with billionaires and tech elites behind closed doors, describing this as a form of politics that rightly frustrates many people.
