Berlin, Germany | AFP | Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday she was glad a Spanish court had ordered the conditional release of a Turkish-German writer wanted by Ankara and warned Turkey not to “misuse” Interpol to pursue its critics. “That’s not on. We must not misuse international organisations such as Interpol” …
Read More »Merkel reaches out to young voters on YouTube
Berlin, Germany | AFP | German Chancellor Angela Merkel, campaigning Wednesday for the youth vote on YouTube ahead of September 24 elections, said her favourite emoticon was the “smiley” and dismissed fears about a potential World War III. The 63-year-old leader, in power for nearly 12 years, also said she hoped …
Read More »Merkel rejects use of force in N. Korea and verbal ‘escalation’
Berlin, Germany | AFP | German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Friday that she opposed any use of force to resolve the conflict with North Korea, after President Donald Trump said the US military was “locked and loaded”. “I don’t envision a military solution to this conflict but rather consistent work as …
Read More »Merkel calls to fight African poverty to curb migrant influx
KAGAME: There is a need to dispel the notion that Africa is inherently riskier than other developing markets Berlin, Germany | AFP | German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday urged more investment in Africa, saying that economic growth there is needed to fight the poverty that is driving the mass …
Read More »Tensions show as Trump, Merkel meet for first time
Washington, United States | AFP | Stark differences between President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on everything from trade to immigration were in full view during an icy first meeting at the White House Friday. In a frequently awkward joint press conference, Trump and Merkel showed little common …
Read More »Tunisia, Germany strike new immigration deal
Tunis, Tunisia | AFP | German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced a new agreement with Tunisia on tackling illegal migration during a visit Friday, following tensions over the case of the Tunisian suspect in the Berlin market attack. Merkel, on a two-day trip to North Africa that also included a …
Read More »Merkel launches election bid with tough line on immigration
Essen, Germany | AFP | Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday lashed populists seeking to exploit Germany’s refugee influx, but set down a tough line on integration — including a ban on the full-face veil — as she launched into election campaign mode. Outlining a strategy to counter populism that has consumed …
Read More »Mama Merkel: Austerity queen to democratic torch-bearer
Berlin, Germany | AFP | A Protestant pastor’s daughter who grew up behind the Iron Curtain, Angela Merkel rose to become the “chancellor of Europe” who has outlasted a generation of world leaders. Unlike her one-time partners on the global stage, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Jacques Chirac and Silvio …
Read More »Merkel to seek fourth term to defend threatened ‘values’
Berlin, Germany | AFP | German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday she would seek a fourth term in elections next year to defend democratic principles in the face of looming threats at home and abroad. Predicting her toughest campaign to date, Merkel said the forces of populism as well …
Read More »ANALYSIS: Obama to pass torch to Merkel on farewell visit
Berlin, Germany | AFP | US President Barack Obama pays a farewell visit Thursday to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, widely seen as the new standard bearer of liberal democracy since the election of Donald Trump. On the last leg of his final European tour as president, Obama will underline shared …
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