Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner told Politico staff that backing Israel is a core company value, implying those who disagree should leave.
Key Takeaways
Dopfner framed pro-Israel stance as one of five “essentials” alongside free markets and free speech, not a separate editorial policy.
Politico journalists sent a letter to incoming editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger accusing Dopfner of using the outlet to promote his political agenda.
Axel Springer acquired Politico in 2021 and received approval this month to acquire the Daily Telegraph, expanding ideological reach across titles.
A leaked email published by Die Zeit showed Dopfner writing “Zionism uber alles. Israel my country” – the phrase is highly charged in Germany due to Nazi-era connotations.
Dopfner said he intends to write more opinion pieces, not fewer, and rejected staff calls for stricter evidentiary standards.
Hacker News Comment Review
Minimal discussion; the one commenter questioned whether the headline accurately reflects what Dopfner said, noting the sourcing comes from Middle East Eye, which they characterized as focused on criticizing Israel, and flagged the absence of a direct transcript.
