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German politician Philipp Amthor sparks outrage over beach chair on Chancellery balcony
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A scene from the ZDF documentary 'Inside CDU' shows German politician Philipp Amthor (CDU) having a beach chair (Strandkorb) delivered to the balcony of his office in the Chancellery in Berlin. Amthor, who serves as State Minister for Federal-State Relations, is seen directing the placement of the chair and joking about using it for relaxation in the 'Chancellor's garden.' The footage has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing Amthor of arrogance and decadence, comparing him unfavorably to King Louis XIV. Some users initially believed the scene was satire or AI-generated. Others defended Amthor, saying they 'grant him the beach chair.' The article notes Amthor's background from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, a Baltic Sea region where beach chairs are common, and his rapid political rise since entering the Bundestag at age 24 in 2017.
Source report
A beach chair on the balcony of the German Chancellery has ignited debate on social media. In a ZDF documentary, CDU politician Philipp Amthor is shown having the piece of furniture brought to his office balcony, drawing reactions ranging from mockery and criticism to amusement.
The Scene
In an episode of the recently released second season of the ZDF documentary series "Inside CDU," the 33-year-old politician is seen arranging for a beach chair to be delivered to the balcony outside his office.
"Yes, that looks great," Amthor says as the item is wheeled outside by the delivery person. He then discusses how it should be positioned. "In the unlikely event that I ever use it to relax, I can always turn it toward the Chancellery garden," he adds.
Background
Amthor was already regarded both as a political talent and a polarizing figure before his move to the Chancellery. At just 24 years old, he was first elected to the Bundestag in 2017. Until recently, he served as Digital State Secretary, and for the past two months, he has been Minister of State for Federal-State Relations at the Chancellery. He hails from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where beach chairs line the Baltic Sea coast.
Social Media Reactions
The scene in the Chancellery prompted numerous reactions on social media:
- Several Instagram users wrote that they initially thought the footage was satire or AI-generated content.
- One user described the scene as "late Roman decadence in its final stage."
- Another user commented: "Compared to this, Louis XIV seems like a down-to-earth dude."
Some users, however, took the scene with humor. "Somehow it's funny with the beach chair. I begrudge him the beach chair," one user wrote under a post.
Regardless of the tone, the scene has proven polarizing. A single Instagram post by "ZDF heute" featuring Amthor in "Inside CDU" had received more than 1,600 comments by Sunday evening.
Sources: dpa, nw
Source
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German Minister Amthor Removes Beach Chair from Chancellery Balcony After Online Backlash