Green Party’s Turgut Altug resigns, slamming leadership and ideological drift
Turgut Altug has stepped down as the chairman of the Green Party's parliamentary group, with Stefan Gelbhaar taking over. Altug's resignation follows a series of criticisms he leveled against the party's direction and leadership style.
Altug, who had served as the Green Party's spokesperson for consumer protection and environmental conservation, expressed frustration over the removal of his 'trees' portfolio and the faction's release of press statements on his areas of work without his consultation. He also criticized the Greens' growing political alignment with the Left Party, accusing them of failing to address the housing crisis effectively.
Altug's resignation comes after he voted against a Left Party bill, describing the Greens' abstention as 'the straw that broke the camel’s back'. He accused the Greens of not doing enough to combat antisemitism and prioritizing 'identity politics' and internal discussions over key issues. Altug also cited an 'authoritarian' leadership style and lack of space for dissent within the faction as reasons for his resignation. Despite his criticisms, Altug expressed gratitude to former faction leaders Antje Kapek and Silke Gebel, describing them as 'ecologists at heart'.
Altug has announced he will serve out the remainder of his term as an independent lawmaker and is exploring joining another parliamentary group. His resignation and criticisms have sparked discussions within the Green Party about its direction and internal democracy.
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