Overview

• Wolfram Weimer, appointed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has officially taken office as Kulturstaatsminister despite ongoing criticism from cultural professionals.
• A petition opposing his appointment, initiated by actor Paul-Maximilian Pira, has surpassed 18,000 signatures, reflecting widespread concerns within the cultural sector.
• At the German Film Awards, Weimer emphasized his commitment to artistic freedom, rejecting political mandates and declaring that culture policy under his tenure will not lean left or right.
• Weimer outlined plans to strengthen Germany's film industry, proposing tax incentives to boost competitiveness and inviting stakeholders to collaborate on concrete measures.
• The appointment has reignited debates over the politicization of cultural institutions, with some commentators viewing Weimer as a disruptor capable of reshaping the cultural landscape.