January 4038
Bernard Mandelbaum (VCRP), Valruzia's designated Interior Minister
Following the victory of far-right figurehead Janusz Gniewek in the election for Supreme Burgrave, a "Third Way" coalition uniting the centre, the right and the far-right (NIP, VCRP, NL), which is expected to be sworn in swiftly, has been formed. Even before the new administration could present a joint agenda, Interior Minister-designate Bernard Mandelbaum (VCRP), a wealthy Yeudi businessman and intellectual, has called for revoking the recognition of Ahmadism as a religion, which was only established in 4035 at the initiative of former Chairman of the Council of Ministers Ludwik Brobowski (PDSP). "Ahmadism is the main source of anti-Yeudi hatred and bigotry around the world, and it holds cultures back from achieving progress both social and economic, such as an industrialized economy, free speech or LGBT rights", Mandelbaum told reporters in his first press conference. "It must not be allowed to spread throughout Valruzia to corrupt our people with its disastrous influence."
The announcement comes as a surprise to many observers as Mandelbaum has widely been considered a liberal figure before. However, the Interior Minister-designate insisted that he was opposed to Ahmadism "precisely because I am in favor of personal freedom, which is not compatible with Ahmadism's political demand. Ahmadism is an ideology, not a religion. Its goals are of a worldly nature, it does not strive for salvation, but for combat and hegemony wherever it goes. We must oppose it in the name of democracy and pluralism." He added that he would push for a bill repealing the Ahmadi Recognition Act of 4035 once the government officially assumes office and expressed hope that his coalition partners would support the cause.
However, Mandelbaum also faced a backlash from the media over his anti-Ahmadi outburst, with some commentators accusing him of hypocrisy. Read one editorial:
"It's all very well that the Interior Minister is concerned about gay rights, pluralism and democracy, but why did he then agree to enter a coalition with the fascist National League? Is he unaware of the fact that Gniewek is just as anti-Yeudi, homophobic and anti-democratic as he accuses Ahmadis to be, or is he just a hypocrite?"
Mandelbaum hit back by slamming the "socialist, Green-aligned media" as "proponents of mass Ahmadi immigration" and criticized their "pseudo-liberal tolerance of religious fundamentalism." He also added that "the worst forms of anti-Yeudism, that much I can tell you, that I have encountered did not originate from the National League but from radical Ahmadi clerics and their followers. We cannot expect the regressive left to deal with this issue, so we decided that we have to reach a deal with the devil, so to speak. But I will still call out anti-Yeudi and anti-gay bigotry from the part of NL as well, you can trust me on that."