HomeNewsWorldMerkel's 'Germany Necklace' winner of debate on Twitter

Merkel's 'Germany Necklace' winner of debate on Twitter

A live TV debate between Angela Merkel and her election rival Peer Steinbureck seems to have generated most comments on Twitter among Germans.

September 03, 2013 / 16:00 IST

Never mind the euro crisis or the war in Syria - what seems to have generated most comment among Germans who tuned in to a live TV debate between Angela Merkel and her election rival Peer Steinbrueck is the German chancellor's necklace.


The twisty necklace, made of long metal beads in the red, yellow and black colours of the German flag, now has its own Twitter account - with the handle @schlandkette - and that has attracted more than 6,300 followers since Sunday evening's duel.


Also read: Twitter's top legal executive steps down in surprise move


"And the winner is: the Germany necklace," was one tongue-in-cheek Twitter verdict on Monday morning. Another tweet read: "Takeaway from the TV duel: the necklace received more attention than Steinbrueck and Merkel's answers. Sad..."


During their television debate, the only one of the election campaign, Merkel and Steinbrueck clashed over the euro, tax policy, US spying and other issues, but delivered few surprises. An estimated 15 million Germans watched the duel.


Mischievously, the necklace chimed in with its "own" views during the 90-minute debate, tweeting: "Do you really want her hanging around your neck for another four years? Believe me, as a necklace, I know what I'm talking about."


This wasn't the necklace's first public outing. Merkel wore it on the day she won a second term as chancellor in 2009. But its public career might be over now, damaged by too much buzz.


"Now she will probably never wear me again," the necklace sadly signed off.

Merkel is expected to win a third four-year term as chancellor in the September 22 election, but her conservatives may end up having to establish a "grand coalition" with Steinbrueck's Social Democrats.

first published: Sep 3, 2013 04:00 pm

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347
CloseOutskill Genai