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Hubert Aiwanger casting the vote
Photo: Armin Weigel / picture alliance / dpa
Free voter boss Hubert Aiwanger has come under fire for the short-term publication of election forecast figures.
In a tweet on Aiwanger's profile, which was deleted a little later, numbers from a by-election survey by the Election Research Group were given on Sunday - combined with the call to give the "final votes" to the free voters.
CSU General Secretary Markus Blume attacked Aiwanger sharply and demanded consequences.
"Hubert Aiwanger distributes forecast results before 6 p.m. and connects them with an election call," wrote Blume on Twitter and added: "An unbelievable case of election manipulation and voter influence.
That is deeply undemocratic and must have consequences! "
According to the federal electoral law, it is an administrative offense to publish "results of voter surveys after voting on the content of the voting decision" before the polling stations are closed.
This can "be punished with a fine of up to fifty thousand euros."
Aiwanger's vaccination skepticism recently caused criticism from the CSU
It is not the first time in recent weeks that Aiwanger has drawn the displeasure of its Bavarian coalition partners.
The head of the Free Voters and Bavarian Vice-Prime Minister caused criticism in early July with comments that were skeptical of vaccinations.
He stated at the time that he was the only member of the Bavarian cabinet who did not want to be vaccinated for the time being.
Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder then told SPIEGEL: "Anyone who believes they can ingratiate themselves with right-wing groups and lateral thinkers leaves the middle class and ends up hurting themselves." Ridge".
Aiwanger then told the "Bild" newspaper: "I was asked about my vaccination status in front of the camera and I believe that vaccination is an important part of combating corona, but that it still has to be a personal decision.
This has nothing to do with shamanism or lateral thinking, but is a personal right to freedom. "
CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt also attacked Aiwanger.
"He has now reached the level of lateral thinkers in style and language," Dobrindt told the media group "Straubinger Tagblatt" and "Abendzeitung" at the beginning of August.
"I strongly advise him to reconsider."
asa / dpa