A German politician resigned after insulting and threatening a journalist to write a story about him

A politician from the German conservative party allied with the Christian-Democratic Union who keeps Angela Merkel in power, resigned after insulting and threatening a journalist who published information about his private life.

Stephan Mayer, 48, who was presented at the end of February as the new general secretary of the Bavarian Christian Social Union (CSU) party, resigned from the party on Tuesday, after publicized his threat to a journalist which revealed that he had an unidentified eight -year -old son.

“In an interview with a journalist of Bunte (magazine) for an article that was clearly prohibited, I could have used, words that I think are inappropriate”, said Stephan Mayer, an ally of the Christian-Democratic Union (CDU) formation, which includes former German executive leader Angela Merkel.

“I am deeply sorry,” Mayer said, without explaining. The now former CSU chief has officially justified his resignation “for health reasons.”

According to the German newspaper picturethe politician was disturbed in a magazine article Buntewhich usually publishes stories of shows and entertainmentabout her private life, in which it was mentioned that she had an anonymous child.

The magazine, owned by Munich-based publisher Burda, accused the CSU head of widespread intimidation and blackmail of a reporter.

In a three -page letter from Burda’s lawyers to Mayer, it said the CSU politician threatened a journalist from celebrity magazine “Bunte” of personal damage.

“I’m going to destroy it. I will seek him and pursue him until his days are over. I am asking for $ 200,000 in damages, you should give it to me immediately, “the politician told a reporter by phone, according to picture.

The editor of the magazine Bunte declared through his executive Philipp Welte to Bild that Parliament’s “threats of extermination against a journalist by a representative” were “an unprecedented violation of the rules of the democratic game and political culture.”

“It’s something we can’t stand”He added.

The threatening journalist said

Journalist Manfred Otzelberger recounted how the investigation began and what happened to Mayer: “Two or three weeks ago we received a tip from CSU groups that there was something strange about Stephan Mayer’s family situation. She has an outside child that she does not support. Then I talked to a lot of people in his immediate environment, including local politicians and journalists. “

“On the one hand, these people confirmed that it had an eight -year -old son that he didn’t care about and that. have a problem with alimony. On the other hand, these conversations also revealed other character flaws in Mayer. “

“During the investigation, I gave him every opportunity to talk to me. However, he did not respond to speaking opportunities. Then I sent him questions. Then we received a letter from a media lawyer. , but not one of my questions was answered. ”Otzelberger said.

And he announced the threats: “On Wednesday morning I was sitting in the car and driving to an appointment. A colleague from the Munich Press Club was sitting next to me. He witnessed everything. Mayer literally jumped in my face. Seven minutes of intimidation and shouting that“.

Source: AFP