Statements made by Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister President Daniel Günther regarding his interactions with the media have sparked controversy. Attorney Joachim Steinhöfel, acting on behalf of the online portal “Nius,” is pursuing legal action against Günther, requesting he sign a cease-and-desist declaration.
Legal Dispute Looms
However, the State Chancellery has refused to sign the declaration, as confirmed in a report by the “Kieler Nachrichten.” The Chancellery maintains that the claim made in the warning letter is not valid. As a result, a legal dispute between “Nius” and the state of Schleswig-Holstein is now threatened. Steinhöfel has already announced his intention to file a lawsuit should the cease-and-desist declaration remain unsigned.
Günther’s Criticism of “Nius”
The debate originated from comments Günther made during the ZDF program “Markus Lanz” last Wednesday. He stated, regarding “Nius,” “If I look at a ‘Nius’ article that concerns me, I can only say that, as a rule, nothing is right in it.” He further asserted that the content is “simply completely fact-free” and that such online portals and content, in his view, have a democratically undermining effect.
Concerns Over Censorship
The German Journalists’ Association (DJV) accused the CDU politician of raising the possibility of censorship against critical media. DJV Federal Chairman Mika Beuster stated that this is in serious contradiction to the Basic Law, which states: “Censorship shall not be permitted.”
Should Steinhöfel proceed with a lawsuit, the courts will be tasked with evaluating the validity of “Nius’s” claims and Günther’s defense. It is possible the case could center on whether Günther’s statements constitute defamation. A ruling in favor of “Nius” could compel Günther to issue a retraction or apology. Alternatively, a ruling in Günther’s favor could reinforce the right of public officials to publicly critique media reporting, even if strongly worded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the legal action against Daniel Günther?
The legal action was prompted by statements Günther made on the ZDF program “Markus Lanz” regarding the online portal “Nius,” where he claimed their reporting was factually incorrect and democratically undermining.
What is the State Chancellery’s position on the cease-and-desist declaration?
The State Chancellery has refused to sign the cease-and-desist declaration, stating that the claim made in the warning letter is not valid.
What did the German Journalists’ Association say about Günther’s statements?
The German Journalists’ Association accused Günther of raising the possibility of censorship against critical media, stating it contradicted the Basic Law’s prohibition of censorship.
How might this situation affect the relationship between the government and the media in Schleswig-Holstein?
