German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a storm of criticism after posting a message on X praising the national football team's 'dedication and team spirit' moments after their early elimination from the FIFA World Cup. The team lost to Paraguay on penalties in a lackluster performance, leading many to question whether Merz watched the same match as the 16 million Germans who stayed up late.
The post, published in the early hours in Berlin, read: 'Even though the elimination hurts: What a game! With your dedication and team spirit at this World Cup, you've inspired our country. We're proud of you.' Social media erupted with comments calling the reaction 'helpless, frustrating, second-rate.'
Criticism came even from Moscow, where Kirill Dmitriev, a confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin, wrote: 'Merz is good at repeatedly fostering failure.' European Parliament lawmaker Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann said she didn't know which was worse: the team's performance or the chancellor's reaction.
The Chancellery described the incident as a 'coordination error' and 'very annoying.' Reports indicate that several draft posts had been prepared before the match, and a young social media assistant allegedly pressed the wrong button during the night.
Germany's largest tabloid, Bild, devoted nearly a full page to the gaffe, headlining: 'Anger over chancellor's own goal after World Cup exit.' Deputy government spokesperson Sebastian Hille confirmed Merz watched the game live and was disappointed like all fans.
Merz later issued a second post: 'We celebrate successes together. And in defeat, we stand together. That is what makes us strong.' Political analysts note that governments typically benefit from the positive mood generated by sports success.
The controversy comes at a time when Merz's popularity is at an all-time low. A June poll showed 87% dissatisfaction with the government's performance, citing economic crisis, crumbling infrastructure, and underfunded pension and healthcare systems.
Merz's awkward video call to the team before the tournament and this latest misstep suggest he is not a genuine football fan. However, many argue that failing to develop a passion for the country's favorite sport is hardly the gravest offense for a chancellor.
Source: www.dw.com