Ferda Ataman is expected to be elected the new anti-discrimination officer on Thursday. Who is the new girl and why are so many against her?

Anyone who wants to combat discrimination must first recognize it. Ferda Ataman is good at that – some would say she’s a little too good at it. Therefore, or despite this, the Bundestag should elect her tomorrow to head the federal anti-discrimination agency.

The position has been vacant for the past four years, which hasn’t really bothered anyone – which is why the discussion about Ferda Ataman is a bit surprising. She was nominated by Family Minister Lisa Paus on June 15, the cabinet had previously accepted the proposal. Then the argument started. Ataman was criticized by journalists, activists and members of parliament – occasionally the criticism also came from the ranks of the governing party FDP. The vote has been postponed.