Angela Merkel can look forward to many congratulations on her 70th birthday – from companions, party colleagues and opponents.
Angela Merkel celebrates her 70th birthday on July 17. Although the former Chancellor will spend it privately in a small circle, there will be numerous public congratulations and reflections on her long chancellorship – from party colleagues to former opponents.
“Impressive political career”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD, 66) praised the “impressive political career” of his predecessor: “It began brilliantly with the victory of democracy in East Germany and German unity, which still moves me today.” “She worked tirelessly for the country and always remained true to herself. Happy birthday!”
Congratulations also came from Bavaria’s Prime Minister and CSU leader Markus Söder (57), who also addressed the “changeable relationship” between his party and Angela Merkel. In the meantime, however, he has “respect for how Angela Merkel has protected our country”. During the Corona pandemic, “a strong relationship of trust has developed”. Söder also shared several photos of the two of them with the former Chancellor.
Merkel has not always had the best relationship with her CDU party colleague Friedrich Merz (68), now the party’s federal chairman. But there are still congratulations – and even on a first-name basis: “Dear Angela Merkel, congratulations on your 70th birthday!” said Merz, as the two shook hands. “For around three decades, you have shaped our country’s politics and taken on responsibility: in the CDU, in parliament and in the government.”
CDU party colleague Julia Klöckner (51), who served as Minister of Agriculture in Merkel’s IV cabinet, has created a picture for the former Chancellor’s birthday: In it, you can see both women hugging or laughing together, as well as an Angela Merkel rubber duck. Klöckner wrote: “Happy 70th birthday, good health and God’s blessings, dear Angela!”
Steinmeier praises Merkel as “trademark of our democracy
But congratulations are not only coming from her own party: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD, 68), who also held office under Merkel for more than four years, is described as a “politician who played a decisive role in shaping the path of a united Germany”. She “worked for our country with an unshakable sense of duty”. Her “calmness, her humour and her humanity” are qualities that many have felt and valued. “The first female Chancellor remains a role model and a trademark of our democracy,” said Steinmeier.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens, 54) writes about a portrait of the former Chancellor: “As political parties, we may argue about what is right for our country. But the fact that we fight together for our country, for the preservation of our liberal democracy – that should always be our common reason. Happy birthday, dear Angela Merkel!”
Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens, 58) also acknowledges the political differences: “Angela Merkel was the first female chancellor in office for 16 years. Politically, we certainly did not always agree. I had and still have the greatest respect for her commitment to our country, her value-based yet pragmatic political style. Happy 70th birthday!”
Gerhard Schröder appreciates Merkel’s self-irony
And Angela Merkel’s predecessor, former SPD Chancellor Gerhard Schröder (80), also praised her life’s work: “Of all political opponents, she is a special one. After all, she won.” Schröder, who narrowly lost to the CDU candidate in the 2005 federal election after seven years as Chancellor, likes Merkel’s “typical North German charm” as well as her ability to be ironic and self-deprecating.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
