Culture Minister Speaks Out
In a recent address, Germany's Commissioner for Culture and Media, Wolfram Weimer, outlined his plans for the development, use, and regulation of artificial intelligence, as well as his proposed budget for the next few years. However, Weimer's announcements have sparked controversy and divided opinions, with some praising his vision while others criticise his proposals.
Weimer, who was appointed Commissioner for Culture and Media earlier this year, has promised to intensify media policy and further develop film funding, aiming to make 'Made in Germany' a quality seal of film production. He also pledged to nurture the cultural heritage of the Bauhaus, a movement that has faced right-wing attacks in the past. The minister's plans for strengthening culture have been met with scepticism, with some questioning the clarity of his vision.
One of Weimer's most contentious proposals is a 10% digital levy on large American digital companies, a move that has raised concerns within the black-red coalition. The coalition, which typically refers to the collaboration between the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union and the Social Democratic Party, has not yet disclosed its specific concerns regarding this proposal.
The budget for Weimer's ministry totals around 2.034 billion euros by 2025, with around 405.5 million euros earmarked for subsidies for the foreign broadcaster Deutsche Welle, the largest item in the budget. The budget also includes funding for memorials and sites of remembrance, investments in cultural buildings, and the promotion of museums of national importance.
A significant portion of the budget, 281 million euros, will flow to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which is responsible for significant museums in Berlin. The foundation, together with the Louvre and the British Museum, has been referred to by Weimer as the glorious triumvirate of European cultural museums.
However, not everyone is convinced by Weimer's plans. Paul Maximilian Pira, the initiator of a petition against Weimer's appointment, has collected over 72,000 signatures. Pira, among others, has criticised Weimer's plans as unclear and hard to grasp.
The Greens, on the other hand, have praised Weimer for continuing the plans of his predecessor, Claudia Roth (Greens). Wolfram Weimer has also stated that the Deutsche Welle has the opportunity to become a powerful voice of freedom in the world with the funds freed up by this budget.
Meanwhile, the AfD has criticised an increase of 15 million euros for the German Wave and sharply rejected Weimer's plans. Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU) has also rejected Weimer's plans, stating that fewer, not more, trade barriers should be the focus.
The art scene remains skeptical of Weimer due to his previously conservative positions and publications. As the debate surrounding Weimer's budget and proposals continues, it remains to be seen how the coalition will address the concerns within its ranks and how Weimer's vision for culture and media will unfold.
- The controversy around Commissioner Weimer's plans appears to extend beyond culture and media, as his proposal for a 10% digital levy on large American digital companies has raised concerns within the black-red coalition.
- The budget for Weimer's ministry includes a significant portion, 281 million euros, destined for the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, which is responsible for museums like those in the 'glorious triumvirate' of European cultural museums, alongside the Louvre and the British Museum.
- The art community, skeptical of Weimer due to his previously conservative positions and publications, has expressed criticisms towards his plans, as evidenced by the petition against his appointment, which has amassed over 72,000 signatures.