Germany: Bavaria's deputy leader to remain at post despite row over antisemitism

BERLIN

The deputy premier of the German state of Bavaria, who has been under fire over antisemitism allegations, will continue his duty, Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Soder said on Sunday.

Speaking at a news conference in Munich, Soder, who is also the head of the Christian Social Union (CSU), said that it would not be proportionate to sack Hubert Aiwanger, the deputy premier of Bavaria.

He said that although the leaflet was "disgusting," there was no evidence that Aiwanger had written the Auschwitz leaflet, which mocked the Holocaust.

Aiwanger, 52, was accused of preparing the antisemitic flyer and circulating it while he was studying at Burkhart High School in the 11th grade.

Although he denied the allegations, Aiwanger admitted that he had "one or more copies" of the flyer in his school bag at the time.

Soder said that Aiwanger, who is also the leader of the populist Free Voters party, the coalition partner to CSU, had also expressed regret for what happened 35 years ago.

If you show true remorse, it is easier to hope for forgiveness, he added.

Following the allegations, Soder said that he demanded that Aiwanger answer 25 questions about the incident.