- Southern Germany initiates legal action against Austrian nationalist figures
The Bavarian State Chancellery, headed by Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU), has initiated a criminal case against Austrian right-wing figure Gerald Grosz. The probe is being handled by Munich's General Prosecutor's Office, as confirmed by dpa. In a 2023 Austrian TV broadcast, Grosz, who has ties with Germany's AfD, labeled Söder as "the biggest fool I've ever encountered in my life," with an extra 36,000 euros added for good measure.
Grosz gained attention following his appearance at the AfD's political Lenten event in Lower Bavaria in early 2023. During this event, he nicknamed Söder as "Söderolf" along with other derogatory remarks. As a result, the Deggendorf District Court fined Grosz approximately 15,000 euros. The initial fine of 36,000 euros, which Grosz challenged, is still pending, with a hearing date yet to be set.
Grosz is slated to reappear as an AfD guest at the political breakfast at the Gillamoos folk festival in Lower Bavaria on the following Monday. However, the criminal complaint was filed shortly after these plans were made public. Grosz argued that these actions might suggest "anticipatory obedience," or even "unauthorized influence on the judiciary," as stated in his statement.
Grosz believes that his remarks fall under the right to free speech in political debates. Public figures, including politicians, are expected to withstand more criticism within the scope of power criticism, according to him. The Bavarian State Chancellery chose to remain silent on this matter.
Despite his upcoming appearance at an AfD event, the criminal case against Grosz, who has ties with Germany's AfD, continues due to his derogatory remarks towards Minister-President Söder. The Bavarian State Chancellery's decision to initiate this case shows their commitment to addressing such divisive language, regardless of political affiliations.
