German pensioner faces probe for calling Chancellor Merz 'Pinocchio' on Facebook
HEILBRONN. Police in Heilbronn have launched an investigation into a local pensioner on suspicion of insulting a public official after he posted a comment on Facebook ahead of Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann's visit to the city last October, as first reported by the Heilbronner Stimme. Beneath a police notice about a temporary flight restriction, the man wrote: "Pinocchio is coming to HN," accompanied by a long-nose emoji. The social media team at the regional police headquarters flagged the post during a routine review and filed a criminal complaint under Section 188 of the German Criminal Code (StGB).
The case echoes the so-called "Schwachkopf" (roughly "dimwit") scandal involving former Economy Minister Robert Habeck. In autumn 2024, a police raid on a Bavarian pensioner's home—triggered by a similar complaint under the same legal provision—made national headlines. The 64-year-old, Stefan Niehof, had shared a meme on X (formerly Twitter) featuring a photo of Habeck, then economy minister, with the superimposed text "Schwachkopf Professional"—a play on a well-known shampoo brand. Officers conducted an early-morning search of his home and seized a tablet. The allegation? Insulting a political figure under Section 188 of the Criminal Code—the very same statute now being applied in Heilbronn. The "Schwachkopf" case was later dropped. Niehof passed away in early 2026.
"Pinocchio" Deemed Permissible Satire
The Heilbronn pensioner was officially notified of the investigation in late January. "This is absurd—completely disproportionate," he told the local paper. "When I told friends and acquaintances about the complaint, they all thought I was pulling their leg." Legal experts argue that calling someone "Pinocchio" qualifies as a permissible metaphorical judgment rather than a criminal insult. The remark is protected under freedom of expression (Article 5 of Germany's Basic Law), they say, noting that senior politicians must tolerate sharp criticism. Even political rivals, such as Stephan Brandner of the far-right AfD, have publicly labeled Merz "Pinocchio" in the past to accuse him of breaking promises.
The Heilbronn pensioner has since demanded that the case be dismissed. In his statement to police, he contends that his satirical comment neither named individuals nor unambiguously targeted a specific person. The decision on whether to pursue the matter now rests with prosecutors. Should charges be filed, experts anticipate, at most, a minor fine. (mp)
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