Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has come under criticism for a photo that shows him without a mask in a Deutsche Bahn regional express. He also did not wear a mask in a short video from the train, in which he explained his plans for a visit to Neustrelitz.
FFP2 masks have been mandatory on long-distance trains since October 1, 2022. Accordingly, there is harsh criticism of Steinmeier’s behavior on Twitter. A user writes ironically: “It’s over! Thank you for officially lifting the mask requirement by Mr. Steinmeier.”
However, the spokeswoman for the Federal President, Cerstin Gammelin, made it clear that Steinmeier had worn an FFP2 mask on the regional express. “He took it off for a video statement. He was also asked to take the mask off for a moment for a photo. Then he wore the mask again,” Gammelin wrote on Twitter. Gammelin did not write to what extent this corresponds to the applicable mask requirement.
CDU member of the Bundestag Tino Sorge said to the picture: “The pictures of the Federal President are reminiscent of the government plane at the traffic light. Either there is a mask requirement, then it must apply to everyone – or not. Politicians have to be consistent. The Federal President in particular has one role model function.”
Steinmeier had relocated his office to Neustrelitz for two and a half days for his “Local Time” series and had taken the train there. The official photo showing him studying the files was published on his website and the video on his Instagram account.
Sources: dpa, image
