German police blushed as a civilian slipped into Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s VIP convoy at Frankfurt airport and gave him a hearty hug as he prepared to board his plane.
Bild tabloid reported on Friday that Mr Scholz’s bodyguards later realized their mistake and cornered the man.
Federal police said in a statement that the man had been detained.
No one was injured, but police said they had opened an investigation into the security breach.
Mr Scholz’s office confirmed the incident, which happened late Wednesday as Mr Scholz was on his way back to Berlin after celebrating the 25th anniversary of the European Central Bank.
“The meeting and hugging at Frankfurt airport (…) was certainly not the Chancellor’s plan,” Mr Scholz’s spokesman Wolfang Buchner told reporters in Berlin.
“So it was a surprise to him, but not a big deal in this particular situation,” he added. “The prime minister did not feel threatened at any point.”
Mr Buchner said Mr Scholz “continues to have full confidence in the work of the police”.
Nevertheless, the case is questionable and will be carefully investigated. ”
