Former Finance Minister Theo Waigel urges crackdown on satirist Uwe Steimle

Former German finance minister Theo Waigel called for the application of Article 18 of the constitution to strip civil rights from individuals who violate democratic order, naming AfD‑affiliated cabaretist Uwe Steimle as an example. Waigel said, “I would seize this type of person… to show that tolerance ends here.”

Steimle, who performed at a sold‑out show in eastern Germany, made inflammatory remarks about Angela Merkel and Friedrich Merz that prompted prosecutors in Dessau‑Roßlau to open a criminal investigation under §126 of the criminal code for disturbing public peace by threatening crimes. The CSU also condemned Steimle’s actions, calling the AfD’s use of the former East German anthem “extremist.” Steimle denied any wrongdoing, describing his statements as satirical and insisting he is “an old left‑winger” rather than a right‑wing extremist.

A related blog post echoed the controversy, portraying Steimle as a target of a “satire police” and criticizing perceived authoritarian measures against artists. The case highlights escalating tensions in Germany over extremist speech, satire, and the legal limits of political criticism.