Key facts
- A German court ruled calling Friedrich Merz 'lying Fritz' is a criminal offense.
- The offender was fined over €2,000.
- 39 initial proceedings were opened under Article 188 of the German Criminal Code.
- The court found the insult likely to incite further negative prejudices or aggression.
- Friedrich Merz was recently named the world's most unpopular political leader.
A German court has ruled that calling politician Friedrich Merz a 'lying Fritz' is a criminal offense due to 'particular public interest,' imposing a fine exceeding €2,000, equivalent to an average monthly salary. This decision stems from critical comments made on Facebook following Merz's visit to Heilbronn. Authorities initiated 39 investigations under Article 188 of the German Criminal Code, which prohibits insults against individuals in public political life that could significantly impede their public activities. While some cases were dropped, the court found the 'lying Fritz' remark likely to incite further negative prejudices or aggression. Merz himself did not file charges, and a government spokesman stated these were normal legal procedures. Merz has faced criticism for his views on the welfare state and recently ranked as the world's most unpopular political leader in a survey, with his party reportedly considering his removal due to low approval ratings. The case adds to concerns about free speech in Germany, particularly as reports suggest plans to compel social media platforms to promote government-approved content, and the EU has previously stated Germany misused hate-speech laws.