Jakob Maria Mierscheid is listed as a member of the German Bundestag, the federal parliament, since 1979. However, Mierscheid is not a real person. He was created by SPD (Social Democratic Party) politicians as an inside joke.
Origin of the Prank
The story began in 1927, when SPD politician Wehner and his colleague Thomas Schäfer invented Mierscheid’s name to playfully represent absent colleagues in political discussions. His “existence” grew from there.
Official Presence
Over the decades, Mierscheid has appeared in official Bundestag documents, reports, and speeches. He even authored a mock scientific study called the “Mierscheid Law”, claiming a correlation between Germany’s steel production and election results for the SPD.
A Well-Maintained Illusion
The Bundestag maintains Jakob Maria Mierscheid’s page on its website, presenting him as an elected member from the Hunsrück region. He is humorously celebrated with mentions in government newsletters, signs, and official acknowledgments.
Jakob Maria Mierscheid is listed as a member of the German Bundestag, the federal parliament, since 1979. However, Mierscheid is not a real person. He was created by SPD (Social Democratic Party) politicians as an inside joke. pic.twitter.com/UJx6DMyxQ4
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