German chancellor hopeful apologizes for laughing during visit to deadly flood zone

German chancellor candidate, Armin Laschet, apologized Saturday for laughing during a visit to a flood-hit region amid growing social-media criticism.

A widely shared video showed Laschet joking with colleagues and laughing while President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was holding a news conference, expressing solidarity and sympathy to victims.

Laschet apologized in a tweet and thanked Steinmeier for his visit and support for residents.

“I regret the impression that was created during a conversation. This was inappropriate and I am sorry,” he said.