Economist Marcel Fratzscher Clarifies Remarks on age Limits for Voting Following Public Backlash
Berlin – DIW economist Marcel Fratzscher is walking back comments suggesting limits on voting rights for older citizens, following widespread criticism sparked by statements made during a recent podcast appearance. The controversy arose after Fratzscher advocated for a potential voting age limit during an informal discussion, a position his institute now attributes to a playful exchange with the podcast moderator.
The initial debate ignited after a 2019 Berliner Zeitung article resurfaced, drawing parallels to satirical comments made by Nico Semsrott, then a European Parliament candidate for the German Satire Party, who jokingly proposed an “age limit for the last voter” in a commercial. Semsrott, at the time, lamented the lack of understanding of his humor, stating, “If humor were a worldwide company, I would be in favor of closing Germany.” DIW maintains Fratzscher’s remarks were similarly intended as a response to provocative questioning and were not indicative of a serious policy proposal.
According to a statement released by the DIW, Fratzscher’s comments were made within a segment dedicated to exploring “so-called hot takes on partly controversial suggestions,” with limited follow-up discussion. The institute emphasized that Fratzscher’s reaction was situational and intended as humor, expressing regret for the resulting misunderstanding. The incident underscores the sensitivity surrounding discussions of age and democratic participation, and highlights the potential for misinterpretation when expert opinions are presented in less formal settings.