Phone-a-friend: German Chancellor Angela Merkel misses Millionaire call

Angela Merkel was phoned twice by Wolfgang Bosbach during a TV quiz show but both calls went to the chancellor’s voicemail.

15:48 04 June 2014

Wolfgang Bosbach, who is German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s political ally, was a recent celebrity guest for TV quiz show Who Wants to Be Millionaire. When asked a question about an East German washing machine, Mr Bosbach called the Chancellor who grew up in the former communist East Germany. However, all he got was voicemail. He then bowed out, winning 125,000 euros. 

 

The 500,000-euro question asked why the East German WM66 washing machine was so legendary. The correct answer was that many owners also used it to stew fruit. 

 

Explaining why he chose to ask for help from the chancellor, Mr Bosbach said: "she's always happy to see me and hear my voice".

 

After the show, Mr Merkel sent him a text message saying: “Ok whatever it was, warm greetings from am.”

 

Mr Bosbach has been a German MP for 20 years and is currently deputy chairman of Ms Merkel's CDU/CSU parliamentary group. 

 

He is a specialist in German domestic policy and legal affairs. He joined the CDU in 1972.