CDU convention: criticism of Pechstein in uniform – Merz: “brilliant appearance”

After a speech by Olympian Claudia Pechstein in a police uniform at a CDU event, party leader Friedrich Merz rejected criticism of the speed skater. “The performance was brilliant,” said Merz in the ZDF program “Berlin direct” on Sunday. Pechstein said from her experience how important clubs and popular sports are. This statement really interests him and not the exterior, said Merz. The content “was really interesting and it also motivated us a bit to continue working in this direction,” says Merz.

Pechstein is a federal police officer. She appeared in a police uniform at a CDU convention in Berlin on Saturday, sparking debates over the weekend. Civil servants are subject to the duty of neutrality under civil servant law. A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior initially declined to comment. The federal police have meanwhile initiated an administrative examination, as a spokesman said.

Pechstein for strengthening club sports – and more consistent deportations

In her speech, Pechstein advocated strengthening club and school sport. She also called for the deportation of rejected asylum seekers. This ensures more security in everyday life. Being able to use public transport “without fearful looks” is one of the problems that particularly affects older people and women. Improvements there should be more important “than thinking about whether we should put a gender asterisk or whether a concert can still be called a German recital or whether it’s still allowed to order a gypsy schnitzel,” said Pechstein.

A CDU spokeswoman told the German Press Agency on Sunday that it was not clear before the speech that Pechstein would wear a federal police uniform. As far as she knows, she has permission to wear the uniform. The spokeswoman did not want to comment on Pechstein’s statements. Pechstein’s management also announced on Sunday that they did not want to comment.

Criticism of performance: “I’m rubbing my eyes in disbelief”

There was criticism of the performance from several sides. The SPD domestic politician Sebastian Fiedler wrote on Twitter: “A police officer in uniform swings party speeches? I’m rubbing my eyes in disbelief.” He demands transparency and follow-up from the Federal Ministry of the Interior. Fiedler, until 2021 chairman of the Association of German Criminal Investigators, used the hashtag “neutrality obligation” in his tweet.

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Greens parliamentary group, Irene Mihalic, who is herself a police officer, questioned the legality of Pechstein’s appearance. “In my opinion, the appearance of Claudia Pechstein in uniform at a party event is not compatible with applicable civil service obligations,” Mihalic told the newspapers of the Funke media group.

Bundestag Vice President Petra Pau (left) wrote on Twitter: “I’ve been dealing with civil servants and disciplinary law for 25 years, not just in the interior committee, there’s also party financing and stuff – this process is beyond any tolerable possibility.”

Schleswig-Holstein’s education minister and deputy party leader, Karin Prien, praised the “excellent CDU policy convention” on Twitter on Sunday. “C. Pechstein should contribute her perspective on sports and volunteering,” Prien wrote.

What does the Federal Civil Service Act say?

The Federal Civil Servants Act states: “When engaging in political activities, civil servants must exercise moderation and restraint that result from their position in relation to the general public and from consideration for the duties of their office.”

Pechstein won the gold medal five times at the Olympic Winter Games, and she also won two silver and two bronze medals. The winter sportswoman ran for the CDU in Berlin in the federal election in 2021, but did not enter parliament.