A Welt am Sonntag investigation, published in December 2025, has caused a stir in Germany, revealing that Chancellor Friedrich Merz initiated nearly 5,000 criminal complaints over online insults directed at him since 2021.

These actions took place during his time as the leader of the opposition, prior to his assumption of office in May 2025. According to the report, Merz filed 4,999 complaints, tracking each one with the assistance of a law firm that specialized in handling such cases. The complaints were focused on defamatory comments made by social media users, many of which included derogatory and insulting terms such as “kleiner Nazi” (“little Nazi”), “drecks Suffkopf” (“filthy drunk”), and “Arschloch” (“asshole”). This investigation sheds light on the scale of Merz’s efforts to defend his reputation, using the legal system to pursue those who defamed him online, a strategy that has sparked widespread public debate.

The Investigation and Findings

The Welt am Sonntag report, which is based on confidential criminal complaints, investigation files, and communications from the law firm Brockmeier, Faulhaber, Rudolph, revealed that Merz personally signed each complaint, including the final one, numbered 4,999. The legal firm worked with a private agency called "So Done", which scans social media platforms for negative comments about its clients, files complaints, and takes a 50% cut of any fines or damages awarded. This practice, while legal, raises concerns about the ethical implications of outsourcing reputation management to private companies. Merz’s parliamentary office confirmed that any fines collected were donated to social causes in his home district, which some supporters argue serves as an appropriate way to redirect financial penalties for the greater good.

However, these legal actions were not without consequences. The complaints led to police house searches and the seizure of electronic devices in some cases. One notable instance involved a disabled older woman whose mobile phone, her only means of communication, was taken by authorities as part of the investigation. A court later ruled that one such search was unlawful, highlighting the potential risks involved in the aggressive use of the legal system to target online criticism. The case raises questions about the limits of personal reputation protection and the potential overreach of legal interventions.

Government's position and public debate

In response to the growing controversy, the federal government has emphasised that Merz himself has not filed any new criminal complaints since becoming chancellor. The government further clarified that many of the legal proceedings were initiated by prosecutors or third-party entities under German law, not directly by Merz. Germany’s legal system allows for the prosecution of defamatory statements even without a formal complaint from the individual involved. This is particularly relevant when the statements concern public figures or matters of state interest, as is the case with Merz.

Despite these clarifications, the matter remains highly contentious within the political landscape. Critics, particularly from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, have denounced Merz’s actions, accusing him of using the legal system to suppress political dissent. They argue that the aggressive pursuit of online insults undermines free speech and creates a chilling effect on public discourse. These critics contend that such actions set a dangerous precedent for political figures who may seek to silence their critics through legal means rather than engage in open debate.

On the other hand, supporters of Merz’s actions argue that politicians and public figures have a right to protect their reputations, particularly when faced with harmful and defamatory attacks online. They emphasise that defamation laws are designed to safeguard individuals from baseless insults and that Merz’s efforts to pursue legal action were justified. Supporters believe that maintaining the integrity of public discourse is essential, even if it means using legal avenues to ensure that politicians are treated with respect and fairness.

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