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Berlin Official’s ‘Nazi Car’ Remark Sparks Outrage Over Tesla
BERLIN (Archyde.com) – A political firestorm is engulfing Berlin after Cansel Kiziltepe, the city’s Senator for Labor, appeared too label Tesla vehicles manufactured near Berlin in Brandenburg as “Nazi cars.” The comment,initially posted on social media platform X,has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum,raising questions about the future of the electric vehicle giant’s operations in the region and sparking debate about the appropriate use of historical comparisons in contemporary political discourse.
the controversy erupted after Kiziltepe shared a post from broadcaster RBB titled “Experience manufacturer of e-cars-apart from Tesla” on X, adding her own commentary: “Who also wants to drive a Nazi car?”. The post was later deleted, but not before screenshots circulated widely online, igniting a wave of criticism.
Jan Redmann, Brandenburg’s CDU state and parliamentary group leader, was among the first to call for Kiziltepe’s dismissal. “Instead of apologizing, the SPD senator Kiziltepe even adds after her Nazi failure,” Redmann told our editorial team. “With this she finally makes herself intolerable for the capital region. Anyone who personally puts over 10,000 jobs as a work senator has missed the job. Anyone who describes Tesla as a Nazi group trivializes the human crime of the Nazi dictatorship. And if you as a member of the government,in this way,strain the relationships between Berlin and Brandenburg,should be fired.”
Andreas Büttner, the anti-Semitism representative for the state of Brandenburg, echoed Redmann’s concerns. He reminded that Kiziltepe’s remarks came so close to the Israeli Holocaust Memorial Day Yom Hashoah. “I think: We all look good to choose the language in challenging times,” said Büttner. “The use of the term ‘Nazi’ in connection with an industrial company like Tesla that employs thousands of people in Brandenburg – many of them with a history of migration – is not only historically inappropriate, but also hurtful for the culture of memory that our democratic community bears.” He added, “I thus do not want a defense from her, but a sign of insight-for the victims of the Nazi era, for the coexistence of our society and for the responsibility that goes hand in hand with a public office.”
Peter Langer, General Secretary of the FDP Berlin, also criticized the statement. “The statements of the work senator Kiziltepe raise the question of how to be blinded,” he said. “You don’t have to like elon Musk to recognize that he is responsible for tens of thousands of jobs in the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region. Political differences must not led to endangering thousands of jobs.”
Brandenburg’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Labor Keller told our editorial team that they have already telephoned with Ms. Kiziltepe. “Everyone can have their personal opinion about Elon Musk,” said Keller. “But it is indeed critically important to me that we don’t forget the people behind the Tesla factory in Grünheide”.
Raed Saleh, SPD parliamentary group leader in the Berlin House of Representatives, took on his party colleague on Friday. “The senator has attested Musk right -wing populist positions and cleared up any dismissal regarding Tesla; the thing is done. But I add: I no no one in the SPD who thinks for a flawless democrats and woudl otherwise have a considerable need for conversation.”
Kiziltepe herself has defended her stance, stating on X, “I expressly stick to my assessments of Elon Musk. Of course, this does not mean that I am responsible for the employees or the customers of Musks for his political positions.” She has also attributed Tesla’s recent sales slump to Musk’s controversial public statements. “Tesla is currently experiencing a sales doldrum because the company attributed the right -wing extremist positions of his shareholder elon Musk, who holds around 13 percent of the company.”
The IG Metall union criticized Kiziltepe for its statement. “Criticism of Elon Musk and his right -wing extremists and activities is not only legitimate, but also necesary,” says a message. Though, the term “Nazi car” is rejected as hurtful towards the workforce.This is very international, many employees have a migration background. “Such expressions do not help and distract from what it really is about.”
Brandenburg’s Prime Minister Dietmar Woidke (SPD) was similar to the “BZ”: “Against the background that the Tesla plant in grünheide also works in addition to many Berliners from around 150 different nations, this statement by a work senator is fully out of place.”
I expect the labor senator to take back her historically intolerable comparison and to reverse the great economic and labor market policy challenges that berlin and Brandenburg should tackle together.
Daniel Keller (SPD)minister of Economics in Brandenburg
Economic Minister Keller had described the Tesla location in grünheide as a success story according to Kiziltepe’s statements. 11,000 people from 150 nations worked there, over half of them live in Berlin. “We speak of well -paid, permanent jobs.” In addition, around 1400 employees at Tesla came from unemployment. In record time, tesla in Grünheide became the largest employer and the largest training company in Brandenburg.
“We know them in Brandenburg Tesla-Fabric in Grünheide In addition, as a place that stands for cosmopolitanism and modernity, ”said Keller. Kiziltepes Nazi comparison violates the people who work there and is“ completely inappropriate ”for a work senator:“ I expect the work senator to take her historically unbearable comparison and again the great economic and labor market policy challenges that Berlin and Brandenburg should tackle together. ”
Alexander Schirp, general manager of the Berlin-Brandenburg business associations (UVB), said, “Such a disparagement is unworthy of a member of the Berlin senate. This is also an affront for the more than 11,000 employees at Tesla, many of whom come from Berlin. The chances of investing the manufacturer in the capital would not greater this. “Signs at this level give nothing good for the election campaign,” said Schirp.
The furor highlights the increasing tension between political activism and economic development, particularly as it relates to elon Musk, whose views on free speech and political issues have made headlines in the U.S. and abroad. Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) has been lauded by some as a victory for free speech, but it has also been criticized by others who argue that it has allowed misinformation and hate speech to flourish.
The situation in Berlin also underscores the complex relationship between Germany and its Nazi past. While Germany has made significant strides in acknowledging and confronting its history, the use of Nazi comparisons in political discourse remains highly sensitive and often sparks intense debate.
Counterargument: some might argue that Kiziltepe is simply exercising her right to free speech and that her comments should not be blown out of proportion. Though, critics contend that as a public official, Kiziltepe has a responsibility to exercise greater caution in her public statements, particularly when those statements could harm the economic interests of her constituents and the reputation of a major employer in the region.
The potential impact on Tesla’s operations in Grünheide remains uncertain. The factory, which employs over 11,000 workers, is a significant contributor to the local economy. Any disruption to its operations could have ripple effects throughout the region, especially as Tesla, like many big tech companies, has instituted layoffs and hiring freezes in the recent past.
FAQ
Why is the term ‘Nazi car’ so controversial? The term “Nazi” evokes the atrocities of the Holocaust and the immense suffering caused by the Nazi regime. Using it lightly,especially in relation to a company employing thousands of people,is seen as deeply insensitive and historically inaccurate.
What is the potential impact on Tesla’s factory in Grünheide? the long-term impact is uncertain, but the controversy could damage the company’s reputation in Germany, possibly affecting sales and its relationship with local authorities. It could also impact employee morale.
How does this relate to Elon Musk’s political views? Musk’s vocal presence on social media and his expressed views on various political topics have made him a lightning rod for criticism. Some believe his views are impacting not just Tesla, but also his other holdings, such as X and SpaceX.
What is the role of the Berlin Senator for Labor? The Senator for Labor is responsible for overseeing labor policies and promoting employment opportunities in the city. Kiziltepe’s comments could be seen as undermining her ability to effectively carry out these responsibilities.
* What is the culture of memory that Büttner refers to? “Culture of memory” refers to the ways in which a society remembers and commemorates its
Interview: Tesla “Nazi Car” Controversy – Insights from Dr. Erika Schmidt, Political Analyst
Table of Contents
Archyde.com – We recently sat down with dr.Erika Schmidt,a respected political analyst specializing in German politics adn post-war social discourse,to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Berlin senator Cansel Kiziltepe’s comments about Tesla and the broader implications for the region.
The Initial Controversy
Archyde: Dr. Schmidt, thank you for joining us. Can you provide some context to the initial outrage sparked by Senator Kiziltepe’s comment?
Dr. Schmidt: Certainly. The use of the term “Nazi car” in the context of a modern company like Tesla, which employs thousands in Brandenburg, is deeply problematic in Germany, given our history. It trivializes the atrocities of the Nazi regime and is profoundly insensitive, especially given the proximity of the Holocaust Memorial Day.
Archyde: The comment was made on social media. How does this affect public perception of such statements?
Dr. Schmidt: Social media amplifies everything. It allows for immediate reactions and the rapid spread of data.While it can be a platform for free speech, in this instance the speed in which the comment was made and the negative attention resulted in a negative impact. I believe there was a lapse in judgment.
Impact on Tesla and the Local Economy
Archyde: tesla is a important employer in the Berlin-Brandenburg area. How might this controversy impact its operations?
Dr. Schmidt: The potential impact is multi-faceted. The damage to Tesla’s public image in Germany is likely to be a short-term issue, and perhaps damaging to sales. The local economy coudl be negatively affected if the situation escalates, though I don’t see that happening. It also risks damaging any government relations.
Archyde: Given that the government is involved and several public figures and members of Tesla’s workforce have offered comment, is there an economic problem for the region?
Dr. Schmidt: I wouldn’t go that far. Kiziltepe will likely issue a simple public apology and the problem should be solved in a matter of days, if not a week. I don’t expect any long-term repercussions.
Broader Implications and Political Context
Archyde: This incident highlights the tension between economic progress and political activism. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Schmidt: It underscores the importance of carefully considering the language and context when discussing sensitive political issues. People, especially public officials, must weigh their comments, particularly when such comments impact business and employment in a local area.
Archyde: How does this incident, and Tesla, relate to Elon Musk specifically?
Dr. Schmidt: musk’s outspoken political views, and the recent layoffs, are now impacting on several of his companies. Even the companies that Musk holds are likely seeing an impact from views held on social media.
Archyde: Dr. Schmidt, what lessons can be learned from this situation?
Dr. Schmidt: Public officials must be wary of language when discussing hot-button issues and always realize that their words have consequences, especially within such a historically sensitive landscape as Germany. Also,business leaders should,and sometimes must,be aware of the views held by the heads of their companies.
Reader Interaction
Archyde: We want to know your thoughts. Do you think Senator Kiziltepe’s comments were fair, or did they cross a line? Share your opinions in the comments below.
