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Euronews
Euronews
Tamsin Paternoster

Fact-check: No, 'claqueurs' did not applaud Merkel at European Parliament

European Union European Parliament Angela Merkel Patriots for Europe

Several MEPs and social media users have falsely claimed that "claqueurs" were brought in to support Germany's former Chancellor Angela Merkel, as she received the European Order of Merit award at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 19 May.

This newly created prize aims to honour individuals who have contributed to "European integration", along with the values enshrined in the EU treaties, according to the European Parliament.

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