23.08.2026 18:20
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, appearing in public for the first time after approximately four weeks of summer vacation, was met with protests in the Hürtgenwald region affected by forest fires. As residents and protesters called out to Merz, 'How was your vacation?', the Chancellor visited the fire zone amid whistles and boos.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Hürtgenwald region in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in his first public event after weeks of summer vacation. Arriving in the area following days of a major forest fire, Merz was met with protests from some citizens awaiting him. Whistling and booing sounds arose during the Chancellor's speech, while some farmers also reacted by honking their tractors' horns.
PROTEST MARKS MERZ'S VISIT
In the Gey district of Hürtgenwald, Merz met with firefighting teams, volunteers, technical aid workers, soldiers, and agricultural workers who participated in the firefighting efforts, thanking them for their work.
However, during the visit, some local residents protested Merz's arrival at the fire zone after such a long time. The crowd gathered in the square protested with whistling and booing during the Chancellor's speech. Some farmers honking their tractors' horns were also among the scenes that marked the visit.
"MERZ, HOW WAS YOUR VACATION?"
Among the protesters, banners criticizing Merz were also carried. Banners reading "The forest is burning, Friedrich is sleeping" and "Coming now? Too late" drew attention.
Some demonstrators directly called out to the Chancellor, "Merz, how was your vacation?"
MERZ'S SHARP RESPONSE TO PROTESTERS
Not backing down in the face of protests, Merz made a striking statement to those booing him.
Merz responded to the reactions by saying, "I am not affected by those shouting. I am speaking with workers, helpers, and those taking action for society."
The Chancellor also responded to criticisms about why he did not carry out his visit while the fire was still ongoing. Merz stated that going to the region during the fire could disrupt operations, adding that he acted in coordination with local authorities. District Administrator Ralf Nolten also announced that it was he who had asked Merz not to come while the fire was still raging.
FIRE AFFECTED MORE THAN 300 HECTARES
The fire in Hürtgenwald became one of the largest forest fires in North Rhine-Westphalia's history. It was reported that between 300 and 400 hectares of forest area were burned or damaged.
Due to the fire, approximately 1,800 people living in the Gey district were evacuated from their homes for safety reasons. After the fire was completely extinguished, residents were allowed to return to their homes.
MERZ: "THIS IS CLIMATE CHANGE"
During the visit, Merz warned that such fires could occur more frequently in the future. Stating that Germany needs to be better prepared for such large-scale disasters, the Chancellor linked the fire in Hürtgenwald to climate change.
Merz said the government will both combat climate change and strengthen preparations against potentially increasing major disasters.