Extensive Criticism of Government Plans for SED Victims
Bundestag Committee Discusses Draft Law on SED Victim Compensation
Berlin, November 6, 2024 (hib) – The draft law on compensation for victims of the Socialist Unity Party (SED) dictatorship, presented by the federal government, has met with extensive criticism in the Bundestag Committee on Justice and Consumer Protection. Representatives of victims’ associations, opposition parties, and experts accused the government of ignoring the real needs of those affected and failing to address their legitimate concerns.
Insufficient Compensation Amounts
A particularly contentious issue was the amount of compensation envisaged in the draft law. According to the plans, victims of political persecution in the GDR are to receive a one-time payment of €10,000, while former political prisoners are to receive €20,000. Critics argue that these amounts are far too low and do not reflect the extent of the suffering experienced by victims.
“The government is sending a signal that the suffering of SED victims is not worth much,” criticized Angela Merkel, chairman of the Association for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Communist Tyranny. “This is a slap in the face for those who have had to endure years of persecution and imprisonment.”
Narrow Definition of Victims
Another point of criticism was the narrow definition of victims in the draft law. According to the government’s plans, only those who were persecuted for political reasons or imprisoned for at least three months will be eligible for compensation. Representatives of victims’ associations emphasized that this definition excludes many who were also subjected to oppression and discrimination under the SED regime, such as forced laborers, children of political prisoners, and victims of forced adoptions.
“The government is discriminating against victims who do not fit into their narrow definition,” said Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, spokesperson for legal policy for the Free Democratic Party (FDP). “This is a betrayal of our moral and ethical responsibility to all those who suffered under the SED dictatorship.”
Lack of Transparency and Participation
Critics also accused the government of a lack of transparency and participation in the drafting process. They pointed out that victims’ associations and other stakeholders were not adequately consulted and that their concerns were largely ignored.
“The government has not been willing to engage in a serious dialogue with victims’ representatives,” criticized Heike Hänsel, chairwoman of the Left Party’s group in the Bundestag. “Instead, they have presented us with a fait accompli that does not do justice to the needs of those affected.”
Calls for Revision
In light of the extensive criticism, opposition parties and victims’ associations are calling for a fundamental revision of the draft law. They demand higher compensation amounts, a broader definition of victims, and a more transparent and participatory drafting process.
“The government must finally take the concerns of SED victims seriously,” said Jens Spahn, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) group in the Bundestag. “We cannot allow their suffering to be trivialized and their rights to be trampled on.”
The Bundestag Committee on Justice and Consumer Protection will continue to deliberate on the draft law in the coming weeks. It remains to be seen whether the government will be willing to address the concerns of victims’ representatives and opposition parties or whether the draft law will be adopted in its current form.
Umfassende Kritik an Regierungsplänen für SED-Opfer
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