Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel was honored with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, Germany’s highest outstanding service award.
At the ceremony held at Bellevue Palace, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented Merkel with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, specially designed.
In his speech here, President Steinmeier stated that the “special version” of the Grand Cross given to Angela Merkel is an exceptional decoration and said:
“This medal was last awarded 25 years ago to Helmut Kohl for his service to the unity of our country. Today, I am pleased to honor Angela Merkel in this way. Madam Chancellor, your extraordinarily long tenure and the extraordinary political power you have used persuasively to strengthen democracy. “I want to honor you for your life. You have helped our country achieve new economic successes under unprecedented difficulties. We have left behind 16 years of almost uninterrupted economic growth, when the scourge of unemployment has been dreading for most Germans.”
Emphasizing that Merkel knew how to deal with unexpected situations, Steinmeier said, “(Berlin) You were 35 years old when the wall came down. You became the first East German citizen and also the first woman to be elected to the post of chancellor 16 years after the wall fell.” she used the phrase.
“YOU SUCCESSFUL TO STRENGTHEN GERMANY AS EUROPE’S BIGGEST ECONOMY”
Stating that those who underestimated Merkel were mistaken, Steinmeier said, “Because at the end of your tenure you have succeeded in strengthening Germany as Europe’s largest economy. It has never been easy. During your tenure, extraordinary situations and crises have come one after another and sometimes overlapped. “Lehman, it is enough to mention the euro crisis and the Kovid-19 pandemic. There have always been discussions about how to deal with and how to get out of crises. However, many countries have not been able to get through this stage as well as our country.” made its assessment.
Pointing to Merkel’s three skills, Steinmeier noted that these are her insistence on facts, the art of negotiation and the ability to compromise, and her determination to protect the most fundamental principles of the state.
Stating that it is also a characteristic of Merkel to correct the decisions she perceives to be wrong, Steinmeier said, “You were able to do this. Self-correction is a high and indispensable virtue in a democracy that autocracies do not know about and we should not denigrate for that reason alone.” said.
“YOU SERVED GERMANY WITH AGGRESSION, INTELLIGENCE AND PASSION FOR 16 YEARS”
Pointing out that Merkel is the decisive interlocutor for the USA in Europe, Steinmeier said that even George W. Bush and Barack Obama praised Merkel as the leader of the Western world in difficult times, and that Merkel managed to stay in dialogue during the Donald Trump era.
President Steinmeier said that Merkel, as a woman and an East German, left her mark on the post of chancellor and said:
“This track inspires others to not shy away from political responsibility. Because you have developed a style that always puts the cause first rather than putting yourself first. For 16 years you have served Germany with ambition, intelligence and passion. For 16 long years for freedom and democracy You have worked tirelessly for the welfare of our country and our people.”
Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former Germany National Team Coach Jürgen Klinsmann were also present at the award ceremony.
Until now, only former prime ministers Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl have been awarded this highest honor.
Adenauer, Kohl and Merkel became the three longest-serving prime ministers in Germany. (AA)