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Angela Merkel in a blue suit
Image: picture alliance/dpaImage: picture alliance/dpa

Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel was Germany's first female chancellor, in office from 2005 to 2021, and leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union from 2000 to 2018.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Angela Merkel's hands held in front of her stomach, thumbs and fingertips touching to form a diamond shape

How do Germans view Angela Merkel's legacy?

How do Germans view Angela Merkel's legacy?

A majority of respondents to a YouGov poll say the country is worse off today than when Merkel was in office.
PoliticsJuly 17, 2024
Brandenburg Gate illuminated with Israeli flag on October 7, 2023

Germany's unique relationship with Israel

Germany's unique relationship with Israel

Since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, German officials have repeated Germany's solidarity and special responsibility.
PoliticsOctober 15, 2023
Olaf Scholz and Li Qiang putting earpieces into their ears, standing in front of their national flags

Germany's new China strategy: Critical but not decoupling

Germany's new China strategy: Critical but not decoupling

The divisions are widening between Germany and China, but Berlin does not want to hamper its own economic interests.
PoliticsJuly 14, 2023
The Israeli flag in front of the dome of the Reichstag building in Berlin during the state visit of Israel's President Herzog 2022

German-Israeli relations: 'A permanent responsibility'

German-Israeli relations: 'A permanent responsibility'

After Israel was founded in 1948, Germany soon became a diplomatic partner. Relations have not always been easy.
PoliticsApril 25, 2023
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) awards the Order of Merit to former German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Bellevue presidential palace in Berlin on April 17, 2023.

Germany debates Angela Merkel's legacy

Germany debates Angela Merkel's legacy

Germany's former chancellor is awarded the country's highest Order of Merit. It's an opportunity to evaluate her legacy.
PoliticsApril 17, 2023
CDU party leader Friedrich Merz

Politics and Carnival: Friedrich Merz on the defensive

Politics and Carnival: Friedrich Merz on the defensive

The leader of Germany's largest opposition party is not amused by jokes made about him in a Carnival speech.
PoliticsFebruary 9, 2023
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Deutschland Plenarsaal des Bundestages wird umgebaut

Why the chairs in German parliament are 'Reichstag blue'

What do a soothing color, Merkel's blazer and Annalena Baerbock's choice of trouser suit say about German politics?
CultureDecember 8, 2021
Angela Merkel holding a bunch of flowers, smiling

What will the future hold for Angela Merkel?

The outgoing chancellor will leave office next months, after 16 years in power.
PoliticsDecember 2, 2021
Angela Merkel holds flowers, smiling.

Angela Merkel's farewell music surprise

Angela Merkel chooses a track by punk legend Nina Hagen for her military ceremony farewell.
CultureNovember 30, 2021
Friedrich Merz, Norbert Röttgen, Helge Braun.

Where now for the post-Merkel CDU?

Three candidates are in the running to take over as the next leader of the CDU. But what are their chances?
PoliticsNovember 23, 2021
A young Angela Merkel stares into the camera, black-and-white portrait by Herlinde Koelbl.

30 years of Merkel portraits

Now a book, Herlinde Koelbl's series of portraits follow Merkel's years as Germany's first female chancellor.
ArtsNovember 12, 2021
Angela Merkel, wearing a dark purple suit jacket, smiling at the camera

Angela Merkel discusses climate and legacy in DW interview

Chancellor Angela Merkel reflected on climate change, refugee policy and the pandemic in an exclusive DW interview.
PoliticsNovember 7, 2021
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