The images of Armin Laschet, governor of North Rhine-Westphalia and candidate for the CDU, who are literally making the rounds of the web.
Reached the city of Erftstadt, one of the areas most affected by theflood who scourged West Germany, what is considered Angela Merkel’s dolphin was filmed by cameras laughing and joking cheerfully behind President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, at that moment busy illustrating the situation in the country.
The video, in which Laschet is clearly seen to laugh in a coarse way while Steinmeier continues his speech unaware and with contrite air, he went around the web, unleashing a real storm. A similar lack of tact on the part of the one who might one day take over from Merkel has provoked a strong reaction from the German people.
Devastating damage
The huge mass of water that invested the valleys of the Rhine caused damage unimaginable and many deaths. To date, the death toll has reached 143, but many are still missing. In addition to the flood, the Erftstadt-Blessem area was also affected by a landslide. The area between North Rhine Westphalia and Rhineland Palatinate was literally devastated.
Arrived in Erftstadt to discuss with the rescuers and bring comfort to the population, the president Frank-Walter Steinmeier he then gave an official speech, talking about the gravity of the situation and trying to instill courage in the citizens. Left behind Steinmeier along with other local authorities, Armin Laschet put on a show, laughing and joking with some politicians who, like him, did not show the slightest respect for the situation.
The controversy
The offending video quickly ended up online, immediately causing a sea of controversy. So much the anger expressed to the governor of the Land North Rhine-Westphalia, candidate for the German chancellery. Many have called Laschet unfit to take the place of Angela Merkel. Now the electoral campaign in view of the vote on September 26 in Germany is at risk, as well as the alliance between the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) and the Christian-Social Union (CSU).
According to the latest news, Armin Laschet has already made an apology on Twitter:“I thank the Federal President for his visit. The fate of those affected is close to our hearts. All the more I regret the impression that was given. It was absolutely inappropriate and I am very sorry.”. The storm, however, is far from subsiding.
Made it big once. #Laschet apparently finds flood disasters quite funny. pic.twitter.com/5Jvj5dgdya
– Susanne (@susannnesorgen) July 17, 2021