Joschka Fischer Gets Ready for his Close-Up

When Joschka Fischer appears before the committee to answer questions about his role in the recent high-profile visa scandal, he'll be making history.

His evidence will be watched by millions of television viewers assessing his every gesture and expression.

But unlike in the US, where televised inquiries and trials have become part of the fabric of popular culture, no cameras or recording equipment have ever been permitted in German parliamentary committee proceedings before.

Improved transparency

The inquiry will look into whether lax visa procedures introduced by the foreign ministry led to massive immigration abuses. Fischer himself has been accused of indirectly allowing thousands of clandestine immigrants from the former Soviet bloc -- Ukraine in particular -- to enter Germany between 2000 and 2003 after the tourist visa criteria were relaxed.

A leading member of the Christian Democratic Union, Eckart von Klaeden from the Visa Enquiry Committee says he hopes the landmark decision to broadcast Fischer's testimony will ensure greater political transparency.

"We want the public to get as authentic an impression of the case as possible," he explained.

Is it all just spin?

Critics of the plan, however, have said the move marks a further step towards the "Americanization" of German politics.

"As soon as the cameras are switched on, communication within the committee will transform enormously," lamented political scientist Ulrich Sarcinelli in an interview with AP news agency. "The politicians will know that millions are watching, and will start trying to score brownie points. The whole process will be overshadowed by their calculated media strategy."

Banking on charisma

He may have a point. Fischer, long the government's ace-in-the-hole, has fallen badly out of favor with the voters as of late. But personal charm has always been his strong point, so what could suit him better than a chance to hog the limelight on prime-time TV?

It was the red-green coalition government itself that requested the live broadcast. One month ahead of the key state elections in North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin is hoping that its charismatic foreign minister's much-touted media finesse will help win over the voters -- after recent months saw his seemingly unassailable popularity plummet dramatically.

The details of the revolutionary broadcast will be fleshed out by a government working group over the next few days. Will the cameras be allowed to show the beads of sweat on Joschka's brow, or will they be obliged to maintain a discreet distance?

Tune in and find out when Fischer TV airs on April 25.