Merz faces Pride flag fallout after saying Bundestag 'not a circus'
Briefly

Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor and CDU party leader, declined to fly the Pride flag at the Bundestag, stating it is not a space for non-official flags. He advocated for displaying the rainbow flag only on the International Day Against Homophobia, 17 May. His stance faced backlash from political opponents, including criticism regarding the implications for the LGBTQ+ community. Traditionally, the rainbow flag has been exhibited during Pride events, with previous leaders participating in celebrations. The opposition emphasized the flag's representation of a community affected by hostility and violence.
Friedrich Merz has rejected calls to fly the Pride flag at the Bundestag, insisting it is not a place for any flag, only the national and European flags.
Merz defended his party and Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, stating the rainbow flag should only be displayed on the International Day Against Homophobia, 17 May.
Opposition has criticized Merz's remarks, with comments suggesting potential implications that the LGBTQ+ community is regarded like 'circus animals' in his analogy.
Green Party leader Katharina Dröge affirmed the rainbow flag's significance, noting its importance for a community facing hostility and violence.
Read at euronews
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