Wulff's legacy
February 19, 2012
One of the most memorable moments of Christian Wulff's 598-day presidency was his speech on German Reunification Day in 2010. Wulff wanted to give his speech a clear theme that would define his tenure, and he chose integration.
His message that "Islam, too, is part of Germany" was a clear signal for his stance on integration policy. The association of the Turkish Community in Germany therefore regrets his resignation.
"His statement that Islam is part of Germany was a decisive moment," Kenan Kolat, chairman of the non-religious group, told DW.
"Wulff gained the trust of all those with an immigrant background by saying that integration is a challenge for the whole of society that is not just negative, but also offers opportunities."
People with a Turkish background also appreciate the fact that he supports Turkey's bid to join the EU. During his premiership in the state of Lower Saxony, he also became the first state premier to appoint a female minister with a Turkish background, Aygül Özkan.
"All these actions show that he really believed in what he said about integration," Kolat said.
Media criticism
Germany's Muslim groups also expressed regret over his resignation. But Aiman Mazyek, chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, also points out that Wulff's resignation shows that Germany's judiciary is working well.
"Muslims in Germany have faith in the legal system here. Everyone is accountable to it, even the president," Mazyek told Germany's Protestant news agency epd.
Mazyek is very critical of the role of the media, however. "Our greatest challenges at the moment are the eurozone debt crisis, the recently uncovered string of far-right neo-Nazi killings and the tensions in the Middle East - not Wulff," he said. Looking at the recent media coverage, however, he said it looks like Wulff topped the agenda.
Other groups like the Association of Islamic Cultural Centers also see Wulff's 18-month presidency in a positive light, because he contributed to the acceptance of Islam in Germany.
The Council of Islam in Germany also emphasized the former president's work on integration. "I hope that the new president will be as brave as Wulff and continue in this vein," Ali Kizilkaya, chairman of the council, told epd.
Bekir Alboga from the Muslim Coordination Council also wants his successor to tackle issues like social cohesion, religious freedom and equal opportunities.
'Wulff set the bar very high'
Kolat chimes in with that view, saying that "Wulff has set the bar very high."
"I expect that whoever succeeds him bases his or her presidency on integration, Islam and Turkey's EU accession and builds on Wulff's achievements," Kolat said.
Kolat told DW that he is determined to do what he can to make that a reality by taking a close look at who is in the running for Germany's top job.
"On Monday, I will also write to the chancellor and party leaders and ask them to include our concerns in the selection process."
And Kolat has one more thing on his wish list: "I would like to see a female successor, it's about time a woman becomes president."
Author: Friedel Taube / ng
Editor: Andreas Illmer