Staatsanwaltschaft ermittelt: Niedersächsischer SPD-Fraktionschef Politze tritt zurück

Lower Saxony's Social Democratic Party (SPD) leader, Stefan Politze, has announced his resignation from his position due to ongoing investigations and the loss of his parliamentary immunity. This decision was made during an extraordinary session of the SPD faction in the evening, according to a statement from the faction. Earlier on Wednesday, the Lower Saxony Landtag (state parliament) in Hannover had lifted Politze's immunity following investigations into him.

Politze stated that while he is convinced of his innocence, he feels the pressure these investigations have placed on the party, the faction, and himself. He emphasized that a prolonged debate would make it impossible for the faction to conduct its political work. Politze then took responsibility for the party's political obligations and relinquished his position due to his commitment to the faction's well-being.

After his immunity was lifted, Politze mentioned he had been unaware of the reasons behind it and stated he had no current grounds for accusation. His lawyer, Matthias Waldraff, informed the Deutsche Presse-Agentur that Politze is currently under investigation in connection with the allegations against Berlin SPD faction leader Steffen Krach.

The suspicion centers on aiding in restrictive business practices, which requires a principal offense. However, Politze's client cannot imagine that Krach has engaged in any criminal activity. The Lower Saxony State Prosecutor's Office is investigating the case in relation to the bidding process for a clinic in Lehrte, Hannover.

This investigation involves allegations of preferential treatment in two cases against Krach. Politze denies all accusations. The Lower Saxony State Prosecutor's Office stated that they respect Politze's decision, as they believe it will allow the faction to continue its work with full force. Minister-President and SPD chairman Olaf Lies expressed his respect for Politze's decision, noting that it would enable the faction to maintain its full commitment to its work.

Lies also thanked Politze for his dedicated service to the faction and the state of Lower Saxony. Investigations into Hannover's SPD leader, Adis Ahmetovic, were also confirmed a few hours before Politze's resignation. Ahmetovic, who has been a Bundestag member for the SPD since 2021, faces unspecified charges. His lawyer, Holger Nitz, stated that Ahmetovic has become aware of the investigations directed towards him and has expressed no grounds for accusation.

Both parties have requested full transparency, but the prosecutor's office has not granted access to their files. Nitz wrote that the prosecutor's office has not provided the full cooperation requested. The State Prosecutor's Office confirmed the existence of investigations against Ahmetovic, but did not explicitly state any connection between the two cases. They reiterated that the presumption of innocence applies in all cases.