The German Federal Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the Die Linke party after it filed an urgent application challenging a video posted by the Federal Ministry of Economics on its Instagram profile. The video, which had been uploaded on September 24, carried the title "Antisemitism and expropriation endanger Germany and the economy" and featured Minister Katherina Reiche claiming that the Left party openly practices antisemitism and that such attitudes, together with calls for expropriation, pose a danger to the country and its economic stability.
Die Linke argued that using a ministerial channel to attack a political party violates the government’s neutrality principle, which prohibits public officials from employing official functions or state funds to influence political competition or target opposition parties. The party contended that the video was part of a broader campaign by the CDU against its top candidate, Elif Eralp, and that the minister’s remarks amounted to an unlawful use of state resources for partisan purposes.
The Constitutional Court’s decision hinged on the risk that the Left party would suffer a significant and irreparable disadvantage if the video remained accessible. By granting the injunction, the court required the temporary removal of the Instagram post while the party’s constitutional complaint proceeds. The ruling clarified that Minister Reiche may still express her views as a private individual or as a party politician, exercising her freedom of opinion, but she may not do so through official government channels during the proceedings.
In the removed video, Minister Reiche stated, "Antisemitism and expropriation endanger Germany and the economy.
The legal proceedings followed a rapid sequence of events. The Left party filed an urgent application with the Federal Constitutional Court, the court announced its ruling on the minister’s Instagram video, granted the injunction against Minister Reiche, and the video was subsequently removed from the ministry’s account.
In the removed video, Minister Reiche stated, "Antisemitism and expropriation endanger Germany and the economy."
Die Linke described the video as part of a "large-scale campaign" by the CDU targeting its leading candidate, Elif Eralp. The party framed the minister’s actions as an attempt to sway public opinion through governmental platforms, which it argued contravenes the constitutional requirement of state neutrality in political contests.
As of the court’s order, the Instagram video has been taken down from the ministry’s profile. The Left party’s constitutional complaint continues, and the minister remains free to voice her criticisms outside of her official role. The case underscores the tension between freedom of expression for government officials and the constitutional mandate that state institutions remain neutral in partisan disputes.