Friedrich Merz’s Tax Reform Beer Coaster Escapes Damage in Günther Jauch’s Hands
A historic beer coaster bearing a tax reform concept scribbled by Friedrich Merz during a televised debate in 2003 has escaped unscathed after being inadvertently dropped by moderator Günther Jauch during a live broadcast.
The coaster, which gained notoriety for its radical tax simplification proposal, is now housed in the House of History in Bonn. Harald Biermann, president of the museum, confirmed that the artifact remains intact despite the unfortunate incident.
"The object is a robust beer coaster that is undamaged and still completely intact," Biermann told the German Press Agency. "Mr. Jauch was aware that he should only handle the beer coaster by the edge in case of an emergency, which he did." However, the coaster slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor, forcing him to retrieve it.
Jauch had presented the beer coaster during a televised debate featuring the four chancellor candidates from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the Greens. Merz had sketched out his proposed tax model on the coaster, earning it widespread attention and eventually a place in the museum’s collection.
Reflecting on the mishap, Biermann acknowledged the inherent tension between preserving historical artifacts and making them accessible to the public through exhibitions. "Museums are always faced with the dilemma of wanting to preserve historical originals while also conveying them through presentations," he explained. "Each presentation is a matter of carefully weighing the risks and benefits."
He further argued that showcasing historical items in television programs reaches audiences who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with them. "This is also part of the museum’s educational mission," Biermann said.
Human involvement in historical events, he noted, inevitably includes unforeseen situations and mishaps. "The beer coaster will now represent not only the topic of tax policy but also the 2023 Bundestag election campaign," Biermann remarked.
The House of History in Bonn serves as a comprehensive museum showcasing German history from 1945 onward. The institution’s mission is to preserve and convey the nation’s past to future generations, ensuring that historical events and artifacts remain accessible and relevant to the public.
In conclusion, the inadvertent drop of the Merz beer coaster during the televised debate has not compromised its historical significance or its place within the House of History’s collection. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges museums face in balancing the preservation of artifacts with the desire to connect with a diverse audience.
