GERMANY Teacher to face charges in slapping of Schroeder
The chancellor has filed a criminal complaint.
BERLIN (AP) -- German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder filed a criminal complaint against the 52-year-old unemployed teacher who slapped him in the face at a campaign reception, the government said Wednesday.
The man lunged at Schroeder on Tuesday evening while he met with local activists of his Social Democratic Party before a speech in the western city of Mannheim. The government agency responsible for Schroeder's security said it was investigating the lapse.
Schroeder was not injured, but his spokesman said the episode should not go unpunished. Prosecutors said the man, who was not identified by authorities, likely would be charged with causing bodily harm and insulting a public figure.
"One has to make clear when the line is crossed beyond political debate," Schroeder spokesman Bela Anda said.
Police said the man refused to answer questions about his motive and was released later Tuesday after being booked.
Declining popularity
Schroeder's popularity is waning because of Germany's stagnant economy, a jobless rate of more than 10 percent and a drive to trim social programs.
His assailant, who lives near the small southern town of Bad Krozingen, joined Schroeder's political party in February, party spokesman Andreas Reissig said. That is how he was able to get a pass into Mannheim convention center. About 1,500 people attended.
Shortly after the encounter, Schroeder gave a campaign speech ahead of next month's European Parliament elections. He did not mention the slap.
The Federal Criminal Office, which provides security agents for public figures, said it was reviewing the case. The Interior Ministry in Berlin said it was too early to say whether mistakes were made in Schroeder's protection.
Visitors at the rally had to walk through metal detectors and check bags at the entrance.