A spokesperson for the Green Youth, Jakob Blasel, has defended his co-chair, Jette Nietzard, against criticism originating within their own party. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Blasel described the level of scrutiny directed towards Nietzard as “totally absurd.
Nietzard has served as co-chair alongside Blasel since October of last year. Her position recently drew controversy following an Instagram post featuring a pullover bearing the acronym “ACAB” which stands for “All cops are bastards.
Blasel stated that perceived provocations could be used as opportunities to discuss issues within policing. “Perhaps it didn’s function well in this case” he conceded. “However, we should strive to extract the best from such situations”. He declined to comment on the stylistic choices of his colleague, particularly in a public forum, emphasizing that Nietzard is a “combative woman” who stands firmly by her actions. He also pointed out the disproportionate number of men publicly criticizing the post.
Blasel also voiced concern over the responses from within the Green Party itself. Reports indicate that the Minister President of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann and the Green Party’s top candidate for the upcoming state election, Cem Özdemir, reportedly suggested Nietzard consider leaving the party following the “ACAB” incident. Blasel criticized this reaction, arguing it represented “cultural distancing” rather than engaging in a substantive debate on underlying issues.
