On October 3, 2021, Germany celebrated its 31st anniversary of reunification. As part of the celebrations, former Chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the country’s highest honor. The award recognizes Merkel’s outstanding contributions to Germany’s political and social development during her 16-year tenure as Chancellor.
Merkel served as Chancellor from 2005 to 2021, making her the longest-serving Chancellor in modern German history. During her time in office, she led Germany through several crises, including the global financial crisis of 2008 and the European debt crisis. She also played a key role in managing the refugee crisis in 2015, when Germany welcomed over a million refugees from Syria and other countries.
Merkel’s leadership style was characterized by her calm and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. She was known for her ability to bring together different political parties and interest groups to find consensus on important issues. Her commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation also earned her respect and admiration around the world.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Merit is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the political, economic, cultural, or social development of Germany. It is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian in Germany and is often awarded to heads of state, government officials, and other public figures.
Merkel joins a distinguished list of recipients of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit, including former Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former President Richard von Weizsäcker, and Nobel laureate Günter Grass. The award ceremony took place at Bellevue Palace in Berlin, where President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented Merkel with the honor.
In her acceptance speech, Merkel expressed her gratitude for the honor and reflected on her time in office. She emphasized the importance of democracy and the rule of law, and called on Germans to continue to work together to overcome the challenges facing the country.
The awarding of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit to Merkel is a fitting tribute to her remarkable career as Chancellor of Germany. Her leadership and contributions to Germany’s political and social development will be remembered for years to come.
