Sayonara Ping-Pong for Karl Lauterbach, Ex-Health Minister
Karl Lauterbach banned from playing table tennis - Karl Lauterbach's table tennis ban continues
Video games and loud music not included
Karl Lauterbach (62), formally the Federal Minister of Health, bid adieu to his much-loved table tennis sessions in the basement of his old ministry. Nina Warken (46, CDU), his successor, decided to rescind the previous permission - a move that left the SPD politician visibly dejected.
Gifted for his 60th birthday by his health ministry colleagues, the table tennis table was a constant companion in Lauterbach's Berlin-Mitte office, even serving as a backdrop for interviews with journalists amidst rallies. But, alas, those days are over. With the CDU taking charge of the Federal Ministry of Health following February 2025's federal election, Karl Lauterbach found himself out of a job, and Nina Warken stepped into his shoes. Yet surprisingly, Lauterbach was still granted access to the sports room.
In an interview with "Bild," Lauterbach confirmed that his permit was revoked "without cause." He expressed his disappointment, longing to continue utilizing the facility. "I never monopolized the space," he said, assuring that he typically trained late into the night. Even the BKA, Lauterbach's security detail, was content with the arrangement.
Table Tennis Table Remains a Ministry Treasure
Former U50 champion Nico Popal shared the paddle with Lauterbach until the end. According to reports, the duo is now on the hunt for a new training venue. The table tennis table, however, remains a prized possession within the ministry - a parting gift Lauterbach leaves with grace. The current Federal Ministry of Health declined to comment on the issue when asked by "Bild."
Post his stint as Federal Minister of Health under Olaf Scholz's government, Karl Lauterbach returned to his seat in the Bundestag. Moreover, last week's news confirmed that he will join a World Health Organization (WHO) commission.
[1] Source: Bild Online, "Lauterbach wieder um seinen Politikstolz betrogen: Auf dem Tischtennisplatz entscheidet sich eine neue Generation," March 17, 2025. Accessed March 18, 2025. https://www.bild.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag/lauterbach-wieder-um-seinen-politikstolz-betrogen-auf-dem-tischtennisplatz-entscheidet-sich-eine-neue-generation-57034152.bild.html
The Commission has also been consulted on a matter unrelated to sports, as they were consulted on the draft directive on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens. However, for Karl Lauterbach, his love for sports, specifically table tennis, was a constant companion during his tenure as Federal Minister of Health.
