Michel Friedman: The Publicist Defending Democracy in a Polarised Germany
FRANKFURT, 16 January 2026 – Michel Friedman, the German-French lawyer, philosopher, and television host, remains a prominent and polarising voice in the nation’s public discourse. A recent controversy surrounding his disinvitation from a literary event in eastern Germany has reignited debates about freedom of speech, the intimidation of public figures, and the fight against right-wing extremism, cementing Friedman’s role as a vocal defender of democratic values.
The Klütz Controversy: A “Dangerous Signal”
In September 2025, Friedman was disinvited from speaking at the Uwe Johnson House of Literature in Klütz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The event, scheduled for October 2026, was to mark the 120th birthday of political theorist Hannah Arendt. The initial reason given by the town’s mayor, Jürgen Mevius, was concern over potential protests from right-wing extremists or Hamas sympathisers.
Friedman publicly criticised the decision as a “dangerous signal” and a capitulation to threats. “How can anyone know today what will happen in October 2026?” he asked in an interview with Euronews, arguing it is the state’s duty to protect such events. The mayor later cited financial reasons, claiming Friedman’s fee and travel costs were too high—a claim Friedman rejected as reminiscent of the antisemitic stereotype of the “greedy Jew,” noting sponsors were covering all costs.
The incident drew sharp criticism from figures including the German government’s antisemitism commissioner, Felix Klein, who called it “a direct attack on the constitutionally protected freedom of opinion.” A demonstration was subsequently held in Klütz in support of free speech.
Key Facts: Michel Friedman
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 February 1956, Paris, France |
| Professions | Lawyer, Philosopher, Publicist, Television Moderator, Honorary Professor |
| Key Public Roles | Vice President, Central Council of Jews in Germany (2000-2003); President, European Jewish Congress (2001-2003) |
| Political Affiliation | Member of CDU (1983-2025). Resigned in January 2025 over the party’s collaboration with the AfD on a migration bill. |
| Notable TV Work | Vorsicht! Friedman (1998-2003), Studio Friedman (2004-2021), Auf ein Wort (Deutsche Welle) |
| Recent Publication | Mensch! Liebeserklärung eines verzweifelten Demokraten (2025) |
| Personal | Married to TV presenter Bärbel Schäfer (since 2004); two sons. Family survived Holocaust as Schindlerjuden. |
A Career Forged in Law and Media
Friedman’s path was shaped by his family history. Born to Polish-Jewish parents who were saved from Auschwitz by Oskar Schindler, the family moved from Paris to Frankfurt am Main in 1965. He studied law and philosophy, earning a doctorate in law in 1994. He built a career as a lawyer specialising in financial and media law and has been an honorary professor for real estate and media law at the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences since 2016.
His media career took off in the late 1990s. He became known for his sharp, confrontational interview style on shows like Vorsicht! Friedman. Despite a major setback in 2003 when he was fined €17,400 for cocaine possession and resigned from all public offices, he staged a comeback in 2004 and has remained a fixture on German television and as a columnist.
An Uncompromising Stance Against the AfD
Friedman’s political stance has hardened in recent years, centred on an uncompromising opposition to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). His departure from the CDU after over 40 years was a direct response to the party’s tactical cooperation with the AfD in parliament, which he labelled a “catastrophic watershed for democracy” and an “unforgivable power game.” He has repeatedly called the AfD a “party of hate” and warned that its rise could force him and others to leave Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Michel Friedman leave the CDU?
He left the Christian Democratic Union in January 2025 in protest after the party collaborated with the far-right AfD to pass a controversial immigration bill in the Bundestag. Friedman stated this cooperation broke a fundamental democratic taboo.
What was the 2003 scandal involving Michel Friedman?
In 2003, Friedman was investigated as part of a probe into forced prostitution. Police wiretaps discovered he had used an escort service under an alias and had offered cocaine to prostitutes. He was fined for cocaine possession, publicly admitted his mistake, and resigned from all his public offices, including his role in the Central Council of Jews.
What is Michel Friedman’s new book about?
His 2025 book, Mensch! Liebeserklärung eines verzweifelten Demokraten (Mensch! Declaration of Love by a Desperate Democrat), is a passionate plea for defending democracy, civic courage, and humanity in politically turbulent times. He is currently touring with a stage adaptation of the book.