Philipp Amthor donates controversial beach chair after Chancellery debate

German CDU State Minister Philipp Amthor has faced intense public criticism following a scene in the ZDF documentary ‘Inside CDU’, which showed a privately purchased beach chair (Strandkorb) on the balcony of the Federal Chancellery. Critics characterized the move as a sign of political detachment and ‘late Roman decadence.’

In response to the controversy, Amthor decided to remove the furniture from the Chancellery. He intends to donate the chair to a care facility for people with disabilities in Ueckermünde, his hometown. The donation has been welcomed by the facility's operator, Ameos.

The incident has sparked a broader political debate. While some critics argue it reflects a loss of instinct within the CDU, politicians from other parties, including Ricarda Lang (Greens) and Michael Roth (SPD), have defended Amthor. They described the public outcry as ‘completely unhinged’ and suggested the focus should remain on significant political issues rather than a piece of furniture.