In Germany, a retiree from Heilbronn has found himself under police scrutiny after mocking Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on social media by calling him 'Pinocchio.' This incident arose after Merz and the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, visited Heilbronn for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI). Following this visit, the local police posted on Facebook about a temporary flight ban for security reasons, prompting the retiree's controversial comment about Merz.

The retiree commented under the police post, stating 'Pinocchio is coming to HN,' complemented by an emoji representing a long nose, which is a common symbol for dishonesty. Three months later, he received a notification from investigative police indicating that an investigation had been initiated against him for suspected defamation under Article 188 of the Penal Code, which pertains to protections for political figures. This situation has stirred debate about the boundaries of free speech in the European Union, particularly in light of recent events in Germany.

This case has significant implications in the context of political discourse in Europe. It raises questions about where the line is drawn between free expression and legal repercussions for critical comments directed at politicians. As discussions around freedom of speech intensify, especially with the rise of digital communication, cases like these highlight the complex relationship between social media use, political sensitivity, and the law in the EU.