Ex-Senator Refuses Questions in Inquiry Over Controversial Antisemitism Funding

Former Berlin Culture Senator Joe Chialo invoked his right to refuse information and declined to answer questions during a parliamentary inquiry into controversial funding for antisemitism projects. The hearing, held in the House of Representatives, saw Chialo repeatedly refuse to provide details, citing his legal right.

Committee chair Manuela Schmidt expressed disappointment, stating there was a legitimate parliamentary interest in clarification. She posed several questions, including inquiries about concerns raised within the cultural administration regarding the funded projects. Chialo, however, consistently remained silent, citing his right to refuse information. This stance extended to questions from other committee members, which Schmidt had explicitly stated she would allow.

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That's a shame; there is a legitimate parliamentary interest in clarification.

Chialo's lawyers even requested a brief recess after a Green Party representative asked a seemingly simple question about the weather. The Left and Green parties in the inquiry committee consider Chialo partly responsible for the selection of projects against antisemitism. These projects were later assessed as unlawful by the state audit office. Chialo resigned in May 2025, though not directly related to the funding controversy, citing budget cuts in the cultural administration. He was a central figure during the period when decisions about funding were being made, even though the final funding notices for several projects were signed by his successor, Sarah Wedl-Wilson, who herself resigned in late April following sharp criticism from the state audit office.

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Do you also think that the weather is nice today?