SPD Immigration Policymakers Feel Left Out of Program Debate - SPD's diversity gap sparks backlash over sidelined migration expertise
The SPD's Migration and Diversity Working Group has raised concerns over the lack of expertise in its internal program council. Deputy chair Orkan Özdemir criticised the party for sidelining integration issues, calling it a political misstep. He warned that treating the topic as secondary risks alienating members with migration backgrounds.
Speaking to Der Spiegel, Özdemir questioned why integration is being pushed aside within the SPD. He described the move as a 'wrong signal' to those working in or affected by migration and diversity issues. The council, known as the Programmrat, includes 33 members, but public records do not clarify how many have direct experience in integration or structural discrimination.
The working group, while not providing exact figures, argued that such expertise is barely represented in the council's makeup. Özdemir stressed that integration is no longer just a social issue but 'a question of power and social order'. He urged the party leadership to prioritise the topic, warning that neglecting it could let rival parties dominate the debate.
Özdemir also demanded stronger representation for members with migration backgrounds in shaping the SPD's policy platform. He argued that their perspectives must be directly included rather than treated as an afterthought.
The criticism highlights a gap in the SPD's approach to diversity and migration. Without clearer expertise in its program council, the party risks overlooking key policy areas. Özdemir's remarks suggest the issue will remain a point of contention within the party.
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