On May 7, 2025, Wolfram Weimer, a prominent conservative publisher and journalist, officially took over as Germany's Minister of State for Culture, succeeding Claudia Roth. The transition marks a significant shift in the cultural landscape of the country as Weimer immediately set a new course aimed at addressing antisemitism and restoring ties with the Jewish community.
Weimer's first act in office was the dismissal of Andreas Görgen, the former head of the cultural ministry, who had been a controversial figure due to his perceived alignment with the Israel boycott movement, BDS. Görgen, often referred to as "Claudia Roth's brain" for his influential role in the previous administration, faced criticism for failing to adequately distance himself from antisemitic sentiments, particularly highlighted during the documenta 15 art exhibition in 2022, which was marred by allegations of antisemitism.
In his inaugural speech, Weimer stated, "I want to send a clear signal that the relationship between the BKM and the Jewish community, which has been out of balance, will be restored, and a conflict-ridden chapter of German cultural policy will come to an end." This statement underscores his commitment to combating antisemitism as a priority in his new role.
Weimer's appointment has not been without controversy. Critics have labeled him as staunchly right-wing and questioned his qualifications to lead Germany's foremost cultural authority. Despite this, he remains undeterred, recognizing the political pushback he may face from the left-leaning cultural establishment. In fact, a petition with over 70,000 signatures was launched against his appointment, reflecting the significant opposition he has encountered.
His predecessor, Claudia Roth, had a tenure marked by challenges, including the fallout from the documenta scandal. Weimer's swift action to replace Görgen with Konrad Schmidt-Werthern, who previously served as the head of the cultural office in Cologne and has been with the BKM since autumn 2024, signals a desire to implement a new vision for the ministry.
Schmidt-Werthern's appointment is seen as a strategic move, as he is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ministry while maintaining continuity in its operations. His experience in the cultural sector and close ties to the previous administration's cultural senator, Joe Chialo, may aid in smoothing the transition.
Weimer's first official guest in the Chancellery was Josef Schuster, the President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. This meeting is significant as it symbolizes the new minister's intent to mend relations with the Jewish community, which had been strained under Roth's leadership. Schuster has been vocal about the need for clear guidelines to combat antisemitism in the arts, emphasizing the evolving threat of antisemitism within cultural institutions.
As Weimer steps into his role, he faces the daunting task of navigating a complex cultural landscape that is fraught with political tensions and differing ideologies. His previous work as a journalist and publisher has equipped him with a keen understanding of the media and public discourse, which he will likely leverage to address the challenges ahead.
Weimer has already stated his commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism, making it clear that projects with antisemitic content will not receive support under his watch. This stance is a stark contrast to the previous administration, where such issues were often downplayed or mishandled.
However, his critics continue to question whether he can effectively engage with the diverse voices within Germany's cultural sphere, many of which lean left. The cultural sector has expressed concerns about Weimer's conservative views and whether they will hinder the progress of inclusive and diverse cultural representation.
Despite the backlash, Weimer appears determined to assert his vision for the ministry. He has distanced himself from the notion that he is merely a puppet of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with whom he has a long-standing relationship. Weimer has publicly stated, "I do not play golf with the Chancellor or anyone else," suggesting that he is keen to establish his own identity separate from political affiliations.
As he embarks on this new chapter, the eyes of the cultural community and the public are firmly fixed on Weimer. Will he be able to bridge the divides that have characterized recent cultural policies? Can he foster an environment where diverse opinions are welcomed while firmly opposing antisemitism? These are the questions that will define his tenure.
In the coming months, Weimer's actions will likely be scrutinized closely. His ability to balance the often conflicting demands of the cultural sector with the expectations of the government will be critical. If he can navigate these waters successfully, he may not only reshape the cultural landscape but also restore faith in a ministry that has faced significant challenges in recent years.
As the new Minister of State for Culture, Weimer holds the reins of a budget of approximately two billion euros and oversees more than 400 employees. The stakes are high, and the path forward is uncertain. Yet, with a clear focus on combating antisemitism and revitalizing relationships with the Jewish community, he has set a bold agenda from day one.
