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Federal Chancellor Scholz with bodyguards boarding a plane
Photo: Michael Kappeler / dpa
A serious breakdown in the protection of the Federal Chancellor is causing a stir in security circles – but Olaf Scholz (SPD) says he is unimpressed. A man had smuggled himself into the Chancellor's motorcade and had come with her into the security area of Frankfurt Airport. There he followed Scholz, shook his hand and hugged him.
The Chancellor has now expressed himself emphatically relaxed about the incident. "As far as the question of people saying hello to me and greeting me is concerned, that's never something that particularly impresses me," Scholz said. And: "I didn't find this situation dramatic either."
When asked about possible consequences, the Chancellor replied: "The police are doing a good job, I feel I am in safe hands." Scholz made the remarks at a press conference following a meeting with the heads of government of the three Baltic states in Tallinn. There he reaffirmed Germany's commitment to defending the Baltic NATO partners in the event of an attack. "We are ready to defend every square inch of NATO territory against attacks."
The incident at Frankfurt Airport occurred late Wednesday evening during Scholz's departure for the Baltic States. According to SPIEGEL information, the man who followed the chancellor onto the tarmac of Frankfurt Airport was probably under the influence of drugs. He is apparently a 48-year-old Greek who lives in Hanau.
mgo/dpa