“historical oblivion”, “strange”
Left criticizes Charles’ appearance in the Bundestag
3/30/2023 7:58 am
With Charles III is the first time a king speaks to the members of the German Bundestag. The visit of the British monarch does not cause joy everywhere: the left rejects the appearance – one MP even wants to stay away from the speech.
Left leader Martin Schirdewan has criticized the planned speech by British King Charles III. practiced in the Bundestag. “It is not appropriate for the highest democratic body to bow to a monarch,” said Schirdewan.
“I also find it strange that in times of inflation and soaring poverty, the Bundestag is allowing someone who was literally born with a golden spoon in their mouth to be written into their family book.” Charles is on a state visit to Germany and is scheduled to give the speech this Thursday afternoon in the Bundestag. On Wednesday, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received him with military honors and honored him with a state banquet.
“I think it’s absurd”
Left MP Ates Gürpinar was even more explicit. “I think it’s absurd to let a king speak in the Bundestag. Let’s remember: monarchies are basically dictatorships with more historical tinsel,” said the deputy party leader of the left of the “Augsburger Allgemeine”.
Gürpinar announced that he would stay away from the British king’s speech in the plenary hall. Germany can be happy to have abolished the monarchy more than a hundred years ago. “To bring a monarch with all honors into the heart of democracy is extremely forgetful of history,” criticized Gürpinar. The fact that the Protocol Department of the London Court sets the rules is incompatible with the dignity of Parliament.
Charles is the first king to address MPs. However, it is not his first appearance in the Bundestag. Three years ago he spoke in his capacity as heir to the throne in honor of the victims of the Second World War and National Socialism. The monarch speaks fluent German and his family has German roots.
Everything about Charles III’s visit to Germany. you can read in our live ticker.