2023-04-18 11:51:54
Berlin – Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has been honored with Germany’s highest honour, the Grand Cross. Merkel, who led Europe’s largest economy from 2005 to 2021, received a special class Grand Cross from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a ceremony late Monday. Only two times before, former chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl have been honored with such an award.
Although popular for most of her time in power, Merkel also faced much criticism. Merkel, 68, voluntarily retired from power in December 2021. In 2015, Merkel apologized to the country for some “mistakes” made in connection with the decision to open Germany’s borders.
Meanwhile, some individuals have questioned the logic of receiving the award from Steinmeier, who was also foreign minister in Merkel’s government. And Der Spiegel magazine criticized that they were honored by a person less important than Merkel.
A member of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), Steinmer served as foreign minister under Merkel between 2013 and 2017 and as vice chancellor between 2007 and 2009. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Merkel’s husband, Prof. Joachim Sauer, among selected prominent persons participated in the ceremony.
English Summary : Angela Merkel receives Germany’s highest honor
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