Angela Merkel stands by top EU bureaucrat filmed making 'racist' and 'homophobic' comments
ANGELA MERKEL has vowed to stand by an an EU bigwig who sparked outrage for mocking Chinese diplomats as “slant eyes”.
Angela Merkel has backed Gunther Oettinger
European Union commissioner Gunther Oettinger was forced to apologise after being filmed making a series of jokes, which were branded racist and homophobic by critics.
Although his remarks during a speech in Hamburg, Germany could cost him an anticipated promotion in Brussels, the German chancellor sought to defend him.
In a video posted on YouTube by user Sebas Travelling he says: “Last week Chinese minister were with us for the annual China-EU summit.
Mr Oettinger is a member of Merkel's CDU Party
EU Commissioner Oettinger accused of racism after speech
Everyone has their own language and speaking style
“Nine men, one party. No democracy. No women’s quota, no women.
“All of them in suits, single-breasted jackets, dark blue.
“All of them had their hair combed from the left to the right black shoe polish.”
Speaking in German he also referred to slant eyes.
Later in the speech, Mr Oettinger, a member of Ms Merkel’s CDU party, suggested that there were no women because there was no female quota in China.
Gunther Oettinger has been forced to apologise
He then turned to Ms Merkel’s recent social policy shift, saying: “Mothers’ pensions, minimum pensions, pensions at 63, welfare payments.. soon it will be compulsory gay marriage”.
But Mrs Merkel’s spokesman defended Mr Oettinger saying: “Everyone has their own language and speaking style.”
Angela Merkel is the leader of the CDU Party
The 63-year-old was appointed to his current role in November 2014.
Days before Britain’s EU referendum he was quoted as saying Brexit would allow the EU to “develop a new perspective and gather new dynamics”.
He cited the fact that the UK’s opposition to further integration was preventing common security and foreign policies being adopted by the Brussels bloc.
Mr Oettinger also suggested that heavily indebted countries should be forced to fly their flag at half-mast over EU buildings.