"Controversy Erupts as Axel Springer CEO Makes Offensive Remarks about East Germans"

Mathias Döpfner, the CEO and co-owner of Axel Springer, has apologized for derogatory remarks he made about residents of eastern Germany in private messages. Döpfner used the term "Ossis" and labeled them as either communists or fascists. He also criticized former Chancellor Angela Merkel and suggested that Germany's largest circulation newspaper, Bild, should help boost the poll ratings of the business-focused Free Democratic Party. Döpfner's comments have prompted calls for his resignation and criticism from within the media group.