During a recent Munich city council meeting, Mayor Dieter Reiter of the SPD party used the term 'N-word' in a remark, which is a euphemism for a historically racist designation for Black individuals. This incident occurred while he was flipping through documents, and his comment was recorded during the full assembly. The mayor later clarified that he quoted a line from a work by artist Fredl Fesl, which he recalled in response to a procedural question regarding the meeting's agenda. Reiter expressed regret for the comment, stressing that he never intended to hurt or demean anyone.

In his apology, Mayor Reiter acknowledged the sensitivity of the term he used and expressed his desire not to offend or diminish anyone's dignity. He emphasized that if anyone felt hurt or belittled by his words, he sincerely regrets it and offers his apologies. The use of the term, even in a quoting context, has garnered significant attention and discussions about racism and language in public discourse, particularly in the backdrop of ongoing debates regarding racial sensitivity in Germany.

This incident reflects broader societal attitudes and the need for awareness around language related to race, especially within public institutions. Mayor Reiter's apology and clarification highlight an ongoing dialogue in Germany about historical language and its impact on modern societal values, highlighting the importance of sensitivity and awareness in public speeches, especially from individuals in positions of authority.