NRW Interior Minister Reul defends Merz, calls criticism over late arrival at forest fire 'total nonsense'

Herbert Reul during a firefighting operation at the German-Belgian border. Source: Oliver Berg/dpa

North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) has defended Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) after criticism over Merz's late visit to the forest fire area near Hürtgenwald.

"The debate about who was there first, who was second, third, fourth, is total nonsense," Reul said on the WDR talk show Kölner Treff. He added that he himself was actually a nuisance during his own visit while extinguishing work was ongoing.

Reul, speaking on the show broadcast late Friday evening, said he had canceled his summer vacation because of the forest fire. Although he acknowledged disturbing emergency services "while walking around," he explained his intention was to show people: "I have your backs – without being able to help. I can't put out the fire."

District Administrator Advised Merz to Delay Visit

Chancellor Merz faced criticism for arriving in Hürtgenwald only after his vacation and after the extinguishing work had concluded. Merz explained on site that he had spoken several times by phone with District Administrator Ralf Nolten (CDU) during the fire and offered to come. However, the district administrator told him: "Come afterwards."

Background

The fire in the Eifel broke out in mid-August and developed into the largest forest fire in the history of North Rhine-Westphalia. The flames were only extinguished after a week.

Source: dpa/shem