Merz stops filing criminal complaints for insults

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's CDU party, announced he has stopped filing criminal complaints for insults, even when directed at him personally. "If someone calls me an idiot, let them do it. I disagree, but it's not a criminal offense," Merz stated during a government open house event.

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If someone calls me an idiot, let them do it. I disagree, but it's not a criminal offense.

Merz explained that he used to pursue such cases but has since ceased. He observed that prosecutors frequently initiate proceedings against politicians for insults on their own initiative, without a formal complaint. He expressed surprise at the high number of such cases, emphasizing his personal lack of sensitivity.

However, Merz acknowledged a worsening public discourse, particularly with the rise of social media. He believes that the rules governing online interactions should not differ from those in the physical world. Merz is open to discussing reforms of Paragraph 188 of the German Criminal Code, which protects politicians from insults, defamation, and slander. Currently, offenders can face up to three years in prison or a fine.

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I used to do that for a while, I stopped doing that, I don't do it anymore.

The law was last updated in April 2021 as part of measures against right-wing extremism and hate crimes. Discussions are underway regarding potential changes, with some proposing that the enhanced penalties for insulting politicians should only apply to local officials. Merz drew a line at insults targeting an office or official position, stating, "The moment state offices are damaged, that's where the fun stops for me." He argued that such actions undermine democracy and fall outside the scope of free speech.

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The moment state offices are damaged, that's where the fun stops for me.