Angela Merkel - Scholz and Co. congratulate on 70th birthday
Angela Merkel celebrates her 70th birthday on July 17th. The former Chancellor will celebrate privately in a small circle, but there are numerous public well-wishes and reflections on her long tenure from party colleagues and even former adversaries.
"Impressive political career"
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD, 66) paid tribute to his predecessor's "impressive political career": "She began fiercely with the promotion of democracy in East Germany and German unity, which still moves me to this day," Scholz wrote on Instagram about a photo. "Tirelessly, she fought for the country and remained loyal. All the best on your birthday!"
Well-wishes came from Bavaria's Minister-President and CSU Chief Markus Söder (57), who also addressed the "complicated relationship" between his party and Angela Merkel in his Instagram birthday post. He now has "respect for how Angela Merkel has protected our country." During the Corona pandemic, "a strong relationship of trust has developed." Söder shared several photos with the former Chancellor.
Even with her CDU party colleague Friedrich Merz (68), today the party chairman, Merkel did not always have the best relationship. Well-wishes were given nevertheless - and even in the informal "Du": "Dear Angela Merkel, heartfelt birthday wishes on your 70th!", Merz wrote on Instagram next to a photo of them shaking hands. "For over three decades, you have shaped the politics of our country and assumed responsibility: in the CDU, in parliament, and in government."
CDU party colleague Julia Klöckner (51), who was active as Agriculture Minister in Merkel's Cabinet IV, created a collage for the former Chancellor's birthday: In it, both women are seen hugging or laughing together, as well as a Merkel bathing suit. Klöckner wrote: "All the best on your 70th birthday, health and God's blessing, dear Angela!"
Steinmeier honors Merkel as "landmark of our democracy"
Well-wishes were not only from her own party: Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD, 68), who has held the office for more than four years under Merkel, honored the birthday girl as a "politician who significantly shaped the path of reunified Germany." She had acted with "unwavering sense of duty for our country." Her "composure, her humor, and her humanity" were qualities that many felt and appreciated. "The first female Chancellor remains a role model and a landmark of our democracy," so Steinmeier.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens, 54) wrote about a portrait of the former Chancellor: "We may argue as political parties about what is right for our country. But that we argue for our country, for the preservation of our liberal democracy - that should always be our common ground." Habeck wishes a happy birthday to Angela Merkel!
Even Landwirtschaftsminister Cem Özdemir (Greens, 58) recognizes the political differences: "Angela Merkel was Chancellor for 16 years. Politically, we were certainly not always of the same opinion. Before her commitment to our country, her values-oriented and yet pragmatic political style, I had and have the greatest respect. Heartfelt birthday wishes!"
## Gerhard Schröder appreciates Merkel's self-irony
Gerhard Schröder (80), SPD's former Chancellor, also pays tribute to Angela Merkel's accomplishments: "She is a special one among all political opponents and adversaries. She has won," he told the magazine "Stern." Schröder, who lost to the CDU candidate in the 2005 Bundestag election after seven years of chancellorship, admires Merkel's "typically northern German charm" and her ability to be ironic and self-ironic.
- Gerhard Schröder, celebrating his own birthday, found time to appreciate Angela Merkel's political career, particularly her self-deprecating humor.
- In an interview with "Stern" magazine, Schröder acknowledged that despite their political differences, he considered Merkel a formidable opponent who had proven victory in the 2005 Bundestag election.
- The SDP, led by Olaf Scholz, has its roots in Eastern Germany, where democracy is still a cherished value.
- Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria and CSU Chief, acknowledged the complex relationship between his party and Angela Merkel but emphasized the development of a strong bond during the Coronavirus pandemic.
- Julia Klöckner, a CDU colleague and former Agriculture Minister in Merkel's fourth cabinet, celebrated Merkel's birthday with a collage featuring humorous moments between the two women.
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Federal President, praised Angela Merkel as a significant figure in the path of a reunified Germany, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to duty and our country's democracy.
- Even as a member of the Greens, Robert Habeck recognized the value in arguing for our country and preserving its liberal democracy, despite political differences between parties.
- Cem Özdemir, another Green party member, acknowledged that Merkel was Chancellor for 16 years, during which they may not have always agreed politically, but he held her in high regard for her values-oriented and pragmatic approach.
- California State University welcomed Angela Merkel as a distinguished guest, allowing lessons to be learned from her unique experience as a female chancellor in a democracy.
