Polanski says he will not overturn Green Party's 'Zionism is racism' motion
The interesting part here is that Polanski wanted to amend the motion but chose not to. That tells me he weighed the internal politics of the party against the external pressure and decided the fight wasn't worth it, at least not now. For a party leader, that's a calculation about keeping the membership onside versus managing public perception, and he's clearly betting on the former.
The motion itself, calling Zionism racism, is the kind of language that generates headlines far beyond the Green Party's usual reach. It touches on a debate that is emotionally charged on all sides, and the party will keep absorbing criticism for it. I'd want to know what his proposed amendment actually was, because the difference between changing the wording and keeping it as is matters a great deal to how the party is understood.
Until 2028 is a long time in politics. Leaders change, party demographics shift, and a future conference could revisit this. But for now, the motion stands, and Polanski has made his choice. Whether that protects the party's unity or damages its standing with voters who see the motion as antisemitic is something only time will tell.