German broadcaster DW dismisses president's role as 'symbolic' after Iran criticism

Germany's state-owned broadcaster Deutsche Welle has drawn criticism after publicly undermining President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's remarks criticizing the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, adding a note that his role is "largely symbolic" and does not represent government policy.

Broadcaster rebukes president

Steinmeier, who described the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of international law, was targeted by DW after his comments were shared on the broadcaster's platform. A note added beneath the video of his statement read: "The role of the German president is largely symbolic and does not represent the government's position." The move represents a rare public rebuke of the head of state by a state-funded media outlet.

Pattern of suppression

The incident follows previous allegations that DW pressured employees to downplay Israel's military operations in Gaza. Last year, 13 current and former DW staff members, along with former religious affairs correspondent Martin Gak, accused the broadcaster's management of attempting to whitewash Israeli actions in Gaza. Critics say the network prioritizes alignment with government policy over journalistic independence.

Diplomatic context

The controversy comes amid growing international criticism of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the German government has maintained strong support for Israel, Steinmeier's remarks reflected unease within parts of Germany's political establishment about the scope and legality of the military campaign.