Overview
- On ZDF’s Markus Lanz, Daniel Günther answered yes when asked if he would regulate, censor and, if necessary, ban media he considers undesirable.
- Constitutional scholars Jan Henrik Klement and Josef Franz Lindner argued that prior control or bans breach Article 5’s guarantee that censorship does not take place, noting only general laws may restrict speech.
- Legal professor Arnd Diringer said aspects of Günther’s statements were unacceptable for a minister-president, distinguishing them from what a party politician might say.
- Following the broadcast, Günther posted that press and opinion freedoms are guaranteed and urged media responsibility while criticizing fake news and so-called alternative media, but he did not retract or apologize.
- Editorials and commentaries, including BILD’s Marion Horn and pieces in Cicero and Junge Freiheit, demanded a public withdrawal, apology or resignation, with fresh coverage highlighting continued public criticism.