“We urgently need change in FIDE's very Soviet-style leadership... We, the German Chess Federation, support Wadim Rosenstein” — DSB President Paul Meyer-Dunker

Paul Meyer-Dunker

President of the German Chess Federation

“I believe we urgently need change, both in FIDE’s very Soviet-style leadership and in its structures.

To this day, an enormous number of Russians are employed at FIDE. Jobs aren’t advertised. You also get the feeling that the awarding practices in many areas are perhaps not necessarily marked by transparency and good governance. And I think that the way FIDE is structured simply isn’t attractive to Western sponsors.

And yes, the list is endless. Opportunities that are not being used, from my perspective. The sport, which could have developed tremendously, is being ruined by a world chess federation that keeps alienating key players.

Even though I would of course be happy if someone other than Turlov wins the election. We, the German Chess Federation, support Wadim Rosenstein now. I believe that’s the best solution.

And if it’s Buettner, then that might not be my first preference, but even that would still be a massive improvement over Turlov. Even if he currently seems a bit miffed because I criticized him on one point.

But well, that’s how the world works sometimes. Everyone handles criticism differently.”