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German Pensioner Faces Investigation for Calling Chancellor 'Pinocchio'

2/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A pensioner in Heilbronn, Germany, is investigated for calling Chancellor Friedrich Merz "Pinocchio" in a Facebook comment.
The comment followed a police post about an event with Merz and State Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann.
Criminal police opened investigations under Article 188 of the German Criminal Code, potentially up to five years in prison, and legal experts say the term does not constitute an insult.

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Story summary

A pensioner in Heilbronn, Germany, is investigated for calling Chancellor Friedrich Merz "Pinocchio" in a Facebook comment.
The comment followed a police post about an event with Merz and State Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann.
Criminal police opened investigations under Article 188 of the German Criminal Code, potentially up to five years in prison, and legal experts say the term does not constitute an insult.