Statement by the Deutsche Bundesbank

The Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank distances itself categorically from discriminatory remarks made by its member, Dr Thilo Sarrazin. Dr Sarrazin, a former member of the Berlin Senate, has repeatedly and persistently made provocative statements, especially on issues relating to immigration. These statements have no connection the tasks to the Deutsche Bundesbank. In making such remarks, Dr Sarrazin is not expressing the opinions and views of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Owing to their special position, the members of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank are obliged, in any political activity, to exercise the moderation and restraint commensurate with their position with regard to society at large and with due regard to the duties of their office. In his statements, Dr Sarrazin has been breaching this obligation repeatedly and to an increasingly serious extent.

Under the code of conduct for members of the Deutsche Bundesbank’s Executive Board, members of the Executive Board are to conduct themselves at all times in a manner “that upholds and promotes the Bundesbank’s reputation and the public’s trust in the Bundesbank” (No 1 (3)). The Executive Board of the Bundesbank finds that Dr Sarrazin’s remarks are damaging to the reputation of the Bundesbank. Although such comments are declared to be a personal opinion and Dr Sarrazin expressly does not speak on behalf of the Bundesbank, these views are increasingly being ascribed to the Bundesbank.

There is no place for discrimination at the Bundesbank. Dr Sarrazin’s disparaging and derogatory remarks are capable of causing considerable disruption to the workplace environment, especially since many members of staff at the Bundesbank have an immigrant background. The Bundesbank expressly wishes to thank all its members of staff for their contribution to the fulfilment of the Bundesbank’s tasks and duties and for the loyalty they have shown to the institution.

The Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank will immediately conduct a discussion with Dr Sarrazin, give him a hearing and take prompt further action.

Addendum of 16 September 2010:

In view of the agreement reached on 9 September 2010, the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank retracts the value judgments it made in this press release.

See press release from 9 September 2010