Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) made headlines on Easter Sunday with a bizarre video of himself. In a 35-second sequence posted on Instagram, he showcased an oversized chocolate Easter egg with his face on it. “Hi, it’s Easter. I couldn’t find a sweater for Easter, but I found a super Easter egg, a mega Easter egg made of chocolate. It smells wonderful,” said the CSU leader, known for wearing a reindeer sweater at Christmas. As he spoke, an animated white rabbit hopped across the screen.
“What is particularly successful is that it has received a very interesting painting,” Söder said, turning the egg around to reveal a portrait of himself with the words “Happy Easter” underneath. “If you like it and find it interesting, then comment on it and we will raffle it off among the comments. It will still be fresh in a few days and anyone who likes it can have it. Happy Easter and – my super Easter egg,” he said, prompting some incredulous comments such as, “Why would you do something like this, Markus?” A CSU spokesperson confirmed that it was indeed a giveaway and not an April Fool’s joke.
The Easter video garnered mixed reactions from the public, with some finding it amusing and others questioning the choice of content from a political leader. Söder’s playful and quirky personality has been on display in the past with his choice of festive attire and humorous social media posts. The oversized chocolate egg with his face on it added a new element to his public image, showcasing a lighter side of the usually serious politician. The decision to host a giveaway for the Easter egg also sparked curiosity and engagement among his followers.
The video reflected Söder’s attempt to connect with the public in a light-hearted and entertaining manner during the Easter holiday. By incorporating humor and creativity into his social media presence, he aimed to engage with a wider audience and create a more approachable image for himself as a political figure. The unconventional and playful nature of the video helped to humanize Söder, showing a different side of his personality outside of his role as a politician. It also highlighted his willingness to interact with the public in a fun and engaging way.
The Easter egg giveaway, while unusual for a political leader, demonstrated Söder’s willingness to think outside the box and try new approaches to engage with the public. By using social media as a platform to share quirky and creative content, he sought to connect with a younger and more diverse audience who may not typically engage with traditional political communication. The positive reaction from some viewers indicated that Söder’s unconventional approach to social media may have resonated with a segment of the population looking for a more relatable and authentic political figure.
Overall, Söder’s Easter video and the accompanying giveaway of the chocolate egg generated buzz and sparked conversations online. While some may view it as a lighthearted and entertaining gesture, others may question the appropriateness of such content from a high-ranking political figure. Regardless, the video succeeded in capturing attention and showcasing a different side of Markus Söder’s personality, inviting further discussion and engagement from the public. As politicians continue to navigate the digital landscape, creative and unconventional approaches like this may become more common in an effort to connect with a broader audience.
