Cem Özdemir's historic bid to lead Baden-Württemberg as first Turkish-rooted minister-president
After the Green Party's narrow victory in Baden-Württemberg's state election, Cem Özdemir is set to become the region's first minister-president with Turkish migrant roots—though he must first be elected by parliament. For many readers of our site, his background makes this moment especially meaningful.
SWR editor Aida Amini also has a migration background. Though she was born much later and has Iranian parents, she shares a similar experience. In this week's post, our colleague reflects on what Özdemir's potential appointment means to her.
**"Dear Cem Özdemir, congratulations! You've done it after all. You're likely to become minister-president of Baden-Württemberg—and the first with a visible migrant background. You've never hidden your roots, but you haven't made them the centerpiece of your identity either. You've always just been Cem from Bad Urach in Swabia, who happens to have Turkish guest-worker parents. A savvy move for your career, if you ask me.
As someone from the Palatinate with Iranian parents, I've been asking myself: Would I feel more represented by a minister-president with a migration background? Maybe, because someone with similar roots might share similar experiences. But at the same time, I realize it doesn't actually matter that much to me. I struggle to say that I'd automatically feel represented just because of that. And that's what sometimes frustrates me about this debate: It's as if a single person is suddenly supposed to stand for countless different experiences.
Of course, some will identify with you more strongly. For many people with migrant backgrounds, you're a role model—and they're undoubtedly proud. And you should be proud too."**
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