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German Chancellor Angela Merkel was first elected in 2005, making her the longest-serving leader in the European Union. Her party, the Christian Democratic Union, is the major party of the country's centre-right, although the nature of German politics means coalition governments are common. In leading her party to three election victories, Merkel has developed a reputation for pragmatism and resolute but low-key leadership. Within Europe, she has been a committed proponent of greater integration and cooperation, while also emerging as one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's most staunch geopolitical opponents. Perhaps the greatest test of her leadership came during the European refugee crisis, when she elected to open Germany's borders, despite significant backlash. Upon Donald Trump's election as US president, many of trump's critics suggested Merkel had become the new "leader of the free world".
Hypocrisy of outrage over China’s alleged spy balloon exposed by leaks that show Washington has been snooping on friends.
Two sources say Li – whose body has been flown to Beijing – had previously had coronary artery bypass surgery.
Europe’s largest economy will turn off its last three nuclear reactors on Saturday, even as it seeks to wean itself off fossil fuels and manage an energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said Western powers are not ‘uninvolved bystanders who had no role to play’ in the ongoing conflict, citing the West’s decision to expand Nato, as an example.
Organisers said former German Chancellor Angela Merkel showed political courage in welcoming refugees who had fled conflict in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Eritrea.
Critics have long portrayed Christine Lambrecht as out of her depth but Chancellor Olaf Scholz stood by her, describing her last month as ‘a first-class defence minister’.
Compromise decision by Olaf Scholz cabinet follows controversy at home exposing divisions on China policy and EU warnings on strong Beijing ties.
Ex-chancellor awarded prestigious Nansen Refugee Award for showing what could be achieved when politicians act supportively and work on solutions to world’s challenges.
The former German chancellor insists she was not naive in her dealings with Putin, in her first major interview since stepping down.
The motion enjoys the support of four of the biggest parties in the European Parliament, meaning it appears likely to succeed in Thursday’s vote.
The opposition Christian Democrats (CDU) won the most votes in Sunday’s election in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state.
The chancellor’s predecessor Angela Merkel, in contrast, made her first visit to China, which she travelled to twice as often as Japan.
Germany is still a go-to destination for Chinese firms looking to acquire hi-tech goods, but broader tensions between Beijing and Europe are clouding the investment outlook.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz, noting the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis, called Steinmeier the ‘right president at exactly the right time’.
The new German chancellor made Paris his first overseas stop after taking over from Angela Merkel at the end of her 16 years in power.
Chinese president wastes no time in writing note to newly confirmed German chancellor as he takes over from Xi’s ‘old friend’ Angela Merkel.
The new leader vows to do more to modernise the country and bring new energy as a three-party progressive alliance with the Greens and Free Democrats.
Olaf Scholz is due to be elected as Germany’s chancellor in parliament on December 8, ending Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure.