Former Chancellor Merkel watches as lawmakers set to elect Merz
Former Chancellor Angela Merkel was among several special guests watching from the gallery as parliament prepared to elect conservative Friedrich Merz as chancellor.
Ms Merkel and Mr Merz, both members of the Christian Democrats, fell out after Ms Merkel gained the party leadership in 2002, with Mr Merz gradually withdrawing from politics.
Mr Merz withdrew to pursue a career in corporate law before returning after Mr Merkel’s retirement in 2021.
Ms Merkel congratulated her former rival on his February election win and wished him good fortune.
Wearing a pale yellow blazer, Ms Merkel briefly got up, smiled and waved to lawmakers when Bundestag President Julia Klöckner welcomed her to Tuesday’s session.
Ms Merkel sat next to Rita Süssmuth, president of the Bundestag from 1988 to 1998.
Other guests included the president of the upper house, Anke Rehlinger, and the German parliament’s commissioner for the armed forces, Eva Högl.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
Two Anambra sisters arraigned for child labour
The sisters, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal dealing in children.
States
Troops apprehend terrorists’ informants, logistics suppliers in Borno
Troops have apprehended suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of an ISWAP member and destroyed IEDs in the last 24 hours across Borno.
Sport
Argentina risk FIFA sanction for displaying Falklands banner after England win
FIFA does not have fixed sanctions for every political message. Instead, each case is accessed individually by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.
Politics
APC chieftain urges members to unite for candidates’ victory
Akanni Seriki, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, has urged APC members to work to ensure the victory of all the party’s candidates across the country in 2027.
Showbiz
I splurge $300,000 monthly on personal lifestyle: Davido
“I spend $200K-$300K monthly, minus my wife, family, buying cars and jewellery,” said Davido.
Abuja
Army says alleged illegal mining kingpin, three others arrested in Abuja
According to the military, the principal suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to sponsoring an illegal mining operation.
