Editing Angela Merkel (section)

==2005–2021: Chancellor of Germany==

=== 2005–2009: First CDU–SPD grand coalition ===
{{Main|First Merkel cabinet}}

==== Election ====
On 30 May 2005, Merkel won the CDU/CSU nomination to challenge Chancellor [[Gerhard Schröder]] of the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] in the [[2005 German federal election|2005 federal elections]]. Her party began the campaign with a 21{{Endash}}point lead over the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]] in national opinion polls, although her personal popularity lagged behind that of the incumbent. However, the CDU/CSU campaign suffered<ref name="Saunders-2005">{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/popular-flat-tax-movement-hits-brick-wall-in-germany/article986606/|title=Popular flat-tax movement hits brick wall in Germany|first=Doug|last=Saunders|work=The Globe and Mail|date=14 September 2005|access-date=28 November 2015|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306041049/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/popular-flat-tax-movement-hits-brick-wall-in-germany/article986606/|url-status=live}}</ref> when Merkel, having made economic competence central to the CDU's platform, confused [[gross income|gross]] and [[net income]] twice during a televised debate.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-panne-brutto-netto-merkel-a-368085.html|title=CDU-Panne: Brutto, netto, Merkel|last=Volkery|first=Carsten|date=3 August 2005|newspaper=Der Spiegel|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205135102/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-panne-brutto-netto-merkel-a-368085.html|url-status=live}}</ref> She regained some momentum after she announced that she would appoint [[Paul Kirchhof]], a former judge at the German Constitutional Court and leading fiscal policy expert, as Minister of Finance.<ref name="Saunders-2005" />

Merkel and the CDU lost ground after Kirchhof proposed the introduction of a [[flat tax]] in Germany, again undermining the party's broad appeal on economic affairs.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Crawford |first1=Alan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FJfLtLnhZkYC&pg=PT59 |title=Angela Merkel: A Chancellorship Forged in Crisis |last2=Czuczka |first2=Tony |date=12 June 2013 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-118-64109-5 |page=135 |archive-date=27 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127161704/https://books.google.com/books?id=FJfLtLnhZkYC&pg=PT59 |url-status=live}}</ref> This was compounded by Merkel's proposal to increase [[VAT]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jul/12/germany.lukeharding|title=Merkel unveils tax-raising manifesto|last=Harding|first=Luke|date=11 July 2005|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 May 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=2 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002220429/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/jul/12/germany.lukeharding|url-status=live}}</ref> to reduce Germany's deficit and fill the gap in revenue from a flat tax. The SPD were able to increase their support simply by pledging not to introduce flat taxes or increase VAT.<ref name="Saunders-2005" /> Although Merkel's standing recovered after she distanced herself from Kirchhof's proposals, she remained considerably less popular than Schröder, who had been perceived as the more generally competent and trustworthy candidate.<ref name="Hilmer-2006">{{Cite journal |last1=Hilmer |first1=Richard |last2=Müller-Hilmer |first2=Rita |date=2006 |title=Die Bundestagswahl vom 18. September 2005: Votum für Wechsel in Kontinuität |trans-title=The Parliamentary Election of 18 September 2005: Verdict for a Change in Continuity |journal=Zeitschrift für Parlamentsfragen |language=German |issue=1/2006 |page=2}}</ref> The CDU's lead was down to 9 percentage points on the eve of the election, with Merkel having a significant lead in popularity based on opinion polls.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4257010.stm|title=Germany votes in close election|date=18 September 2005|publisher=BBC|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-date=10 March 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060310044057/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4257010.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BBC-2005">{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4259052.stm|title=German election ends in stalemate|date=19 September 2005|publisher=BBC|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-date=18 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318214116/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4259052.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 September 2005, Merkel's CDU/CSU and Schröder's SPD went head-to-head in the national elections, with the CDU/CSU winning 35.2% (CDU 27.8% / CSU 7.5%)<ref name="Hilmer-2006" /> of the second votes{{Efn|In the [[electoral system of Germany]], "first votes" are cast for a constituency-level local representative, i.e. an individual, whereas "second votes" are cast for a party.}} to the SPD's 34.2%.<ref name="BBC-2005" /> The result was so close that both Schröder and Merkel initially claimed victory.<ref name="Packer-2014" /><ref name="BBC-2005" /> Neither the SPD{{Endash}}Green coalition nor the CDU/CSU and its preferred coalition partners, the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|Free Democratic Party]], held enough seats to form a majority in the Bundestag.<ref name="BBC-2005" /> A [[grand coalition]] between the CDU/CSU and SPD would face the challenge of both parties demanding the chancellorship.<ref name="BBC-2005" /><ref name="BBC News-2005" /> However, after three weeks of [[negotiation (process)|negotiations]], the two parties reached a deal for a grand coalition whereby Merkel would become Chancellor and the SPD would hold 8 of the 16 seats in the cabinet.<ref name="BBC News-2005">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4325600.stm |title=Merkel named as German chancellor |work=BBC News |date=10 October 2005 |access-date=27 August 2011 |archive-date=23 September 2013 |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923013433/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4325600.stm  }}</ref> The deal was approved by both parties at party conferences on 14 November 2005.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 November 2005 |title=German parties back new coalition |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4434812.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090111191948/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4434812.stm |archive-date=11 January 2009}}</ref>

Merkel was elected Chancellor by the majority of delegates (397 to 217) in the newly assembled Bundestag on 22 November 2005, but 51 members of the governing coalition voted against her.<ref>{{cite news |date=22 November 2005 |title=Merkel becomes German chancellor |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4458430.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051209014210/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4458430.stm |archive-date=9 December 2005}}</ref> Reports at the time indicated that the grand coalition would pursue a mix of policies, some of which differed from Merkel's political platform as leader of the opposition and candidate for Chancellor. The coalition's intent was to cut public spending whilst increasing [[VAT]] (from 16 to 19%), [[social insurance]] contributions and the top rate of [[income tax]].<ref>{{cite news|title=German coalition poised for power |date=11 November 2005 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4429518.stm |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051125031009/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4429518.stm |archive-date=25 November 2005 |url-status = live}}</ref>

When announcing the coalition agreement, Merkel stated that the main aim of her government would be to reduce unemployment, and that it was this issue on which her government would be judged.<ref>{{cite news|title=Merkel defends German reform plan |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4431262.stm |date=12 November 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315055446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4431262.stm |url-status = live|archive-date=15 March 2006 }}</ref>

==== Healthcare reform ====
Reform of the [[Healthcare in Germany|German healthcare system]] was a salient issue during the 2005 election; the previous system had been criticised as inefficient and overly bureaucratic.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 July 2006 |title=Letter from Berlin: A Sickly Compromise for German Healthcare Reform |language=en |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/letter-from-berlin-a-sickly-compromise-for-german-healthcare-reform-a-425036.html |access-date=6 August 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=6 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806181144/https://www.spiegel.de/international/letter-from-berlin-a-sickly-compromise-for-german-healthcare-reform-a-425036.html |url-status=live}}</ref> After a significant period of negotiations, a deal was passed in 2006. While this agreement was described as having "saved the coalition government", it was also widely criticised as ineffectual. The deal also increased the tax burden on employers and their publicly insured employees.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 October 2006 |title=German Health Reform: Merkel Announces a Deal, Averts a Crisis |language=en |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/german-health-reform-merkel-announces-a-deal-averts-a-crisis-a-440924.html |access-date=6 August 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609001250/https://www.spiegel.de/international/german-health-reform-merkel-announces-a-deal-averts-a-crisis-a-440924.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=German Health Care Reform: Mission Impossible? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/german-health-care-reform-mission-impossible/a-2117345 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=20 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820183733/https://www.dw.com/en/german-health-care-reform-mission-impossible/a-2117345 |url-status=live}}</ref> The 2006 round of reforms introduced the "health insurance duty", which establishes that individuals must be insured either through the public insurance system or through private insurance firms and accordingly cannot be uninsured.<ref name="www.jstor.org">{{Cite web |title=Personal Responsibility for Health — Developments Under the German Healthcare Reform 2007 on JSTOR |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/43ff418d-949c-3e2d-b7fa-d6eb41c8e135 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=www.jstor.org |language=en |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103022413/https://www.jstor.org/stable/43ff418d-949c-3e2d-b7fa-d6eb41c8e135 |url-status=live}}</ref> The reforms also targeted [[preventive healthcare]] as a priority, particularly with regards to [[Elderly care|eldercare]].<ref name="www.jstor.org" />

==== Eurozone crisis ====
{{Main|European debt crisis|2008 financial crisis}}
{{See also|Greek government-debt crisis#Germany's_role_in_Greece}}
On 4 October 2008, following the [[Government of Ireland|Irish Government]]'s decision to guarantee all deposits in private savings accounts, a move she had strongly criticised,<ref>{{cite news |author=Dougherty, Carter |date=5 October 2008 |title=Germany guarantees all private bank accounts |newspaper=Forbes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/business/worldbusiness/05iht-hypo.4.16708030.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423001915/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/business/worldbusiness/05iht-hypo.4.16708030.html |archive-date=23 April 2014}}</ref> Merkel said there were no plans for the [[German Government]] to do the same. The following day, Merkel stated that the government would guarantee private savings account deposits, after all.<ref>{{cite news |last=Whitlock |first=Craig |date=6 October 2008 |title=Germany to guarantee Private Bank Accounts |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/05/AR2008100500816.html |url-status=live |access-date=6 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110151109/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/05/AR2008100500816.html |archive-date=10 January 2014}}</ref> However, two days later, on 6 October 2008, it emerged that the pledge was simply a political move that would not be backed by legislation.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |date=6 October 2008 |title=Bank uncertainty hits UK shares |work=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7654182.stm |url-status=live |access-date=6 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007064831/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7654182.stm |archive-date=7 October 2008}}</ref> Most other European governments eventually either raised the limits or promised to guarantee savings in full.<ref name="bbc" />

The German government stepped in to assist the [[mortgage loan|mortgage]] company [[Hypo Real Estate]] with a bailout. The deal was agreed upon on 6 October, with German banks contributing €30 billion and the [[Deutsche Bundesbank|Bundesbank]] €20 billion to an emergency credit line.<ref>{{cite news |last=Parkin |first=Brian |author2=Suess, Oliver |date=6 October 2008 |title=Hypo Real Gets EU50 Billion Government-Led Bailout |newspaper=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amxJTktF7JMs |url-status=dead |access-date=6 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022213102/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=amxJTktF7JMs |archive-date=22 October 2012}}</ref>

At the time of the [[Greek government-debt crisis]], Germany was the largest creditor of the Greek government, giving it significant negotiating power.<ref name="Rankin-2021">{{Cite news |last=Rankin |first=Jennifer |date=23 September 2021 |title=The crisis manager: Angela Merkel's double-edged European legacy |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/23/the-crisis-manager-angela-merkels-double-edged-european-legacy |access-date=25 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923141710/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/23/the-crisis-manager-angela-merkels-double-edged-european-legacy |url-status=live}}</ref> Merkel is often credited as having "saved the Euro", primarily due to her coordinating role in the development of debt relief policy.<ref name="Rankin-2021" /><ref name="Matthijs-2021" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 September 2021 |title=Merkel legacy: EU's queen with a tarnished crown |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58498231 |access-date=25 June 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913010507/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58498231 |url-status=live}}</ref> The austerity measures imposed on debtors such as Greece, which were a significant part of Merkel's position in the negotiations, have been criticised as overly harsh by some observers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 September 2021 |title=Auf Wiedersehen, Angela: How Merkel has shaped Europe and Germany |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/23/angela-merkel-europe-s-fiercest-crisis-manager-likely-to-leave-a-void |access-date=25 June 2023 |website=euronews |archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923113318/https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/23/angela-merkel-europe-s-fiercest-crisis-manager-likely-to-leave-a-void |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Matthijs-2021" /> Critics also highlighted Germany's own debt management issues.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 June 2011 |title=Economic Historian: 'Germany Was Biggest Debt Transgressor of 20th Century' |language=en |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/economic-historian-germany-was-biggest-debt-transgressor-of-20th-century-a-769703.html |access-date=25 June 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=11 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511205116/https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/economic-historian-germany-was-biggest-debt-transgressor-of-20th-century-a-769703.html |url-status=live}}</ref> A [[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg]] opinion piece noted that "irresponsible borrowers can't exist without irresponsible lenders"; accordingly, "Germany's banks were Greece's enablers."<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2012 |title=Hey, Germany: You Got a Bailout, Too |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2012-05-23/merkel-should-know-her-country-has-been-bailed-out-too |access-date=25 June 2023 |archive-date=19 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119170336/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2012-05-23/merkel-should-know-her-country-has-been-bailed-out-too |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the course of the [[2008 financial crisis]], the Merkel cabinet increased the budget of the [[Kurzarbeit]] programme significantly and extended the permitted duration of such contracts from 6 months to 18 months.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 November 2009 |title=Krisenhilfe: Merkel will Kurzarbeit bis Ende 2010 verlängern |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/krisenhilfe-merkel-will-kurzarbeit-bis-ende-2010-verlaengern-a-663048.html |access-date=26 July 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=9 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309154845/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/krisenhilfe-merkel-will-kurzarbeit-bis-ende-2010-verlaengern-a-663048.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Although similar provisions had existed previously, the Merkel cabinet's expansion of the programme was widely praised and is credited with having saved 500,000 jobs during the [[2008 financial crisis]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 September 2021 |title=Marking Merkel |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GERMANY-POLITICS/MERKEL/mopankkkova/ |access-date=26 July 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220134537/https://www.reuters.com/graphics/GERMANY-POLITICS/MERKEL/mopankkkova/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kurzarbeit: Germany's Short-Time Work Benefit |url=https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2020/06/11/na061120-kurzarbeit-germanys-short-time-work-benefit |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=IMF |archive-date=8 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708022836/https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2020/06/11/na061120-kurzarbeit-germanys-short-time-work-benefit |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |work=OECD |date=2009 |title=Employment Outlook 2009 – How does GERMANY compare? |url=https://www.oecd.org/employment/emp/43707146.pdf |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133418/https://www.oecd.org/employment/emp/43707146.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2009–2013: CDU–FDP coalition===
Merkel's CDU was [[2009 German federal election|re-elected in 2009]] with an increased number of seats and could form a governing coalition with the [[Free Democratic Party (Germany)|FDP]]. After brief negotiations, the [[second Merkel cabinet]] was sworn in on 28 October 2009.<ref name="cabinet2009">{{cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4836127,00.html |title=Merkel's new cabinet sworn in |publisher=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=30 October 2009 |access-date=1 November 2009 |last=Penfold |first=Chuck |url-status = live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601171452/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0%2C%2C4836127%2C00.html |archive-date=1 June 2010 }}</ref> In early 2011, Merkel's approval ratings plummeted, resulting in heavy losses in state elections for her party.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/feb/21/angela-merkel-crushed-hamburg-polls |title=Angela Merkel's party crushed in Hamburg poll |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 February 2011 |access-date=23 August 2011 |location=London |first=Helen |last=Pidd |archive-date=24 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110224215222/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/21/angela-merkel-crushed-hamburg-polls |url-status = live}}</ref> An August 2011 poll found her coalition had only 36% support compared to a rival potential coalition's 51%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zimbio.com/Chancellor+Angela+Merkel/articles/tvb0mRYv0RF/German+opposition+hits+11+year+high+polls |title=German opposition hits 11-year high in polls |publisher=[[France 24]] |date=5 August 2011 |access-date=23 August 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2011 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011051049/http://www.zimbio.com/Chancellor%2BAngela%2BMerkel/articles/tvb0mRYv0RF/German%2Bopposition%2Bhits%2B11%2Byear%2Bhigh%2Bpolls  }}</ref> Notwithstanding the effects of the [[2008 financial crisis]], unemployment sank below 3 million unemployed people in 2011.<ref>{{cite news |date=15 November 2013 |title=Arbeitsmarkt: Arbeitslosigkeit 2011 meist unter drei Millionen |language=de |trans-title=Labour market: Unemployment in 2011 mostly below three million |website=Focus online |agency=dpa |url=https://www.focus.de/finanzen/news/arbeitsmarkt-arbeitslosigkeit-2011-meist-unter-drei-millionen_aid_566257.html |url-status=live |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531112414/https://www.focus.de/finanzen/news/arbeitsmarkt-arbeitslosigkeit-2011-meist-unter-drei-millionen_aid_566257.html |archive-date=31 May 2021}}</ref>

==== Abolition of conscription ====
Following increased debate on the subject in the summer of 2010,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dempsey |first=Judy |date=2 June 2010 |title=Germany Sees No Need for Obligatory Military Conscription |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/world/europe/03iht-germany.html |access-date=29 June 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=29 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629123140/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/03/world/europe/03iht-germany.html |url-status=live}}</ref> the German government announced plans to abolish [[conscription in Germany]], making the {{lang|de|[[Bundeswehr]]}} a [[volunteer military]], in November 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connolly |first=Kate |date=22 November 2010 |title=Germany to abolish compulsory military service |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/22/germany-abolish-compulsory-military-service |access-date=29 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=17 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917223043/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/nov/22/germany-abolish-compulsory-military-service |url-status=live}}</ref> The decision was finalised in December that year,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conscription to end |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-suspend-compulsory-military-service/a-6315122 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=dw.com |archive-date=31 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731013031/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-suspend-compulsory-military-service/a-6315122 |url-status=live}}</ref> and conscription was suspended on 1 July 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 January 2011 |title=The World from Berlin: 'End of an Era' as Germany Suspends Conscription |language=en |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-end-of-an-era-as-germany-suspends-conscription-a-737668.html |access-date=29 June 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=10 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110020820/https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/the-world-from-berlin-end-of-an-era-as-germany-suspends-conscription-a-737668.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Although somewhat popular at the time, the decision has later come under scrutiny, particularly following to the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany debates reintroducing military conscription |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-debates-reintroducing-military-conscription/a-64601831 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=dw.com |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203165249/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-debates-reintroducing-military-conscription/a-64601831 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 March 2022 |title=Ukraine war raises spectre of conscription in Germany |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220301-ukraine-war-raises-spectre-of-conscription-in-germany |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=France 24 |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301135316/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220301-ukraine-war-raises-spectre-of-conscription-in-germany |url-status=live}}</ref> It has also been criticised in conjunction with Germany's financial commitments to [[NATO]].<ref name="The Washington Times">{{Cite web |title=Angela Merkel's anti-NATO legacy |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/may/12/angela-merkels-anti-nato-legacy/ |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=The Washington Times |archive-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513042652/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2019/may/12/angela-merkels-anti-nato-legacy/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, 61% of Germans said that they were in favour of reestablishing conscription.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Most Germans want compulsory military service return — poll |url=https://www.dw.com/en/most-germans-want-compulsory-military-service-return-poll/a-64935279 |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=dw.com |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309205155/https://www.dw.com/en/most-germans-want-compulsory-military-service-return-poll/a-64935279 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Healthcare reform ====
Responding to a budget deficit of {{Currency|11|EUR|linked=no}} billion in the public healthcare system in 2009, the Merkel government passed widely unpopular healthcare reforms in 2010. The changes reduced healthcare spending in certain areas and increased employer and employee contributions to 15.5% of gross wages.<ref name="Reuters-2010">{{Cite news |date=12 November 2010 |title=Germany passes unpopular healthcare reform |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-healthcare-reform-idUSTRE6AB3TL20101112 |access-date=6 August 2023 |archive-date=19 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219184258/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-healthcare-reform-idUSTRE6AB3TL20101112 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Healthcare reform |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-controversial-health-care-reform-bill/a-6223367 |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en |archive-date=7 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607060814/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-controversial-health-care-reform-bill/a-6223367 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 November 2010 |title=Germany passes Merkel's unpopular healthcare reform |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2010/11/12/germany-passes-merkels-unpopular-healthcare-reform.html |access-date=6 August 2023 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806181834/https://www.cnbc.com/2010/11/12/germany-passes-merkels-unpopular-healthcare-reform.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The reforms also established that future contribution increases would only affect the contributions by employers, which was criticised by opposition parties and [[trade union]]s.<ref name="Reuters-2010" />

===2013–2017: Second CDU–SPD grand coalition===
[[File:Unterzeichnung des Koalitionsvertrages der 18. Wahlperiode des Bundestages (Martin Rulsch) 079.jpg|thumb|upright|Merkel at the signing of the coalition agreement for the 18th election period of the Bundestag, December 2013]]
In the [[2013 German federal election|election of September 2013]], Merkel won one of the most decisive victories in German history, achieving the best result for the CDU/CSU since reunification and coming within five seats of the first absolute majority in the Bundestag since 1957.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/angela-merkel-wins-third-term-germany|title=German election: Angela Merkel secures historic third win|last1=Connolly|first1=Kate|date=23 September 2013|work=The Guardian|access-date=26 March 2017|last2=Oltermann|first2=Philip|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=27 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170327081844/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/sep/22/angela-merkel-wins-third-term-germany|url-status=live}}</ref> However, their preferred coalition partner, the FDP, failed to enter parliament for the first time since 1949, being below the minimum of 5% of second votes required to enter parliament.<ref name="cwn" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/angela-merkel-reaches-deal-with-spd-to-form-german-grand-coalition-8966125.html |first=Geir |last=Moulson |agency=AP |title=Angela Merkel reaches deal with SPD to form German-Grand-Coalition |work=The Independent |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=23 December 2017 |archive-date=23 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223220011/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/angela-merkel-reaches-deal-with-spd-to-form-german-grand-coalition-8966125.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The CDU/CSU turned to the SPD to form the third [[Grand coalition (Germany)|grand coalition]] in postwar German history and the second under Merkel's leadership. The [[third Merkel cabinet|third Cabinet of Angela Merkel]] was sworn in on 17 December 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2013/48311241_kw51_kanzlerwahl_nachher/214202|title=Deutscher Bundestag – Bundeskanzlerin und Bundeskabinett vereidigt|last=Müller|first=Volker|website=Deutscher Bundestag|language=de|access-date=14 December 2018|archive-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702022311/http://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2013/48311241_kw51_kanzlerwahl_nachher/214202|url-status=live}}</ref>

Merkel scored well in opinion polls on her handling of the recent euro crisis (69% rated her performance as good rather than poor), and her approval rating reached an all-time high of 77% in February 2012 and again in July 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Union dank Merkel im Umfrage-Aufwind |url=http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/union-dank-merkel-im-umfrage-aufwind-1784909.html |newspaper=[[Stern (magazine)|Stern]] |language=de |date=10 February 2012 |access-date=12 February 2012 |archive-date=12 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212234414/http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/union-dank-merkel-im-umfrage-aufwind-1784909.html |url-status = dead}}</ref>

==== 2015 European migrant crisis ====
{{Main|2015 European migrant crisis}}
{{See also|Wir schaffen das}}
[[File:Pedro Sánchez y Angela Merkel 05.jpg|thumb|Spanish prime minister [[Pedro Sánchez (politician)|Pedro Sánchez]] and Merkel in [[Sanlúcar de Barrameda]], 2018]]

Throughout the course of the [[2015 European migrant crisis|European migrant crisis]], Merkel encouraged cooperation between EU member states, urging that Europe needs to act "as a whole".<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2015 |title=Migrant crisis: Merkel warns of EU 'failure' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34108224 |url-status=live |access-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604101630/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34108224 |archive-date=4 June 2023}}</ref>

In late August 2015, at the height of the crisis, Merkel's government suspended the [[Dublin Regulation]], which stipulated that asylum seekers must seek asylum in the first EU country they arrive in. Merkel announced that Germany would also process asylum applications from Syrian refugees if they had come to Germany through other EU countries.<ref name="Holehouse-2015">{{cite news |last1=Holehouse |first1=Matthew |last2=Huggler |first2=Justin |last3=Vogt |first3=Andrea |date=24 August 2015 |title=Germany drops EU rules to allow in Syrian refugees |work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11821822/Germany-drops-EU-rules-to-allow-in-Syrian-refugees.html |url-status=live |access-date=16 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612103828/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11821822/Germany-drops-EU-rules-to-allow-in-Syrian-refugees.html |archive-date=12 June 2017}}</ref> That year, nearly 1.1 million asylum seekers entered Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 January 2016 |title=Germany: 1.1 million refugee arrivals in 2015 |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-1-1-million-refugee-arrivals-in-2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605115239/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-1-1-million-refugee-arrivals-in-2015/ |archive-date=5 June 2023 |access-date=5 June 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 December 2015 |title=Germany on course to accept one million refugees in 2015 |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/08/germany-on-course-to-accept-one-million-refugees-in-2015 |url-status=live |access-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605115238/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/dec/08/germany-on-course-to-accept-one-million-refugees-in-2015 |archive-date=5 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Merkel coined the phrase {{lang|de|[[Wir schaffen das]]}} (literally 'We can do this') around this time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2016 |title=The phrase that haunts Angela Merkel |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/the-phrase-that-haunts-angela-merkel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328012508/https://www.politico.eu/article/the-phrase-that-haunts-angela-merkel/ |archive-date=28 March 2023 |access-date=5 June 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bannas |first1=Günter |last2=Berlin |date=31 December 2015 |title=Neujahrsansprache von Merkel: Wir schaffen das, denn Deutschland ist ein starkes Land |language=de |work=FAZ.NET |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/neujahrsansprache-von-merkel-wir-schaffen-das-denn-deutschland-ist-ein-starkes-land-13991331.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308114851/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/neujahrsansprache-von-merkel-wir-schaffen-das-denn-deutschland-ist-ein-starkes-land-13991331.html |archive-date=8 March 2023 |issn=0174-4909}}</ref>

Junior coalition partner and Vice Chancellor [[Sigmar Gabriel]] said that Germany could take in 500,000 refugees annually for the next several years.<ref>"[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34185353 Migrant crisis: Germany 'can take 500,000 asylum seekers a year'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020215118/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34185353|date=20 October 2020}}". BBC News. 8 September 2015.</ref> German opposition to the government's admission of the new wave of migrants was strong and coupled with a rise in anti-immigration protests.<ref name="Hill">{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Jenny |date=30 July 2013 |title=Immigration fuels rising tension in Germany |publisher=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33700624 |url-status=live |access-date=18 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819003253/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-33700624 |archive-date=19 August 2015}}</ref> Merkel insisted that Germany had the economic strength to cope with the influx of migrants and reiterated that there is no legal maximum limit on the number of migrants Germany can take.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 September 2015 |title=Germany: 'No Limit' To Refugees We'll Take In |url=http://news.sky.com/story/1547326/germany-no-limit-to-refugees-well-take-in |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410074018/http://news.sky.com/story/1547326/germany-no-limit-to-refugees-well-take-in |archive-date=10 April 2016 |access-date=6 September 2015 |publisher=Sky News}}</ref> In September 2015, enthusiastic crowds across the country welcomed arriving refugees and migrants.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 September 2015 |title=Germans welcome thousands of newly arrived refugees |url=http://www.dw.com/en/germans-welcome-thousands-of-newly-arrived-refugees/a-18696722 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908024110/https://www.dw.com/en/germans-welcome-thousands-of-newly-arrived-refugees/a-18696722 |archive-date=8 September 2020 |access-date=16 September 2020 |publisher=Deutsche Welle}}</ref>

[[Horst Seehofer]], leader of the [[Christian Social Union in Bavaria]] (CSU){{Em dash}}the sister party of Merkel's [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|Christian Democratic Union]]{{Em dash}}and then-[[Bavaria]]n Minister President, attacked Merkel's policies.<ref name="MerkelSplits">{{cite news |date=6 September 2015 |title=Merkel splits conservative bloc with green light to refugees |work=Reuters |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-europe-migrants-germany-criticism-idUKKCN0R60T920150906 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009204535/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/09/06/uk-europe-migrants-germany-criticism-idUKKCN0R60T920150906 |archive-date=9 October 2015}}</ref> Seehofer criticised Merkel's decision to allow in migrants, saying that "[they were] in a state of mind without rules, without system and without order because of a German decision."<ref name="politico.eu">{{cite news |last=Delcker |first=Janosch |date=23 September 2015 |title=Viktor Orbán, Bavaria's hardline hero |work=[[Politico]] |url=http://www.politico.eu/article/viktor-orban-bavaria-hardline-hero-seehofer-migration-borders/ |url-status=live |access-date=10 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119194404/https://www.politico.eu/article/viktor-orban-bavaria-hardline-hero-seehofer-migration-borders/ |archive-date=19 January 2018}}</ref> Seehofer argued that as many as 30% of asylum seekers arriving in Germany claiming to be from Syria are in fact from other countries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Refugee crisis: Many migrants falsely claim to be Syrians, Germany says as EU tries to ease tensions |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11891219/Refugee-crisis-Many-migrants-falsely-claim-to-be-Syrians-Germany-says-as-EU-tries-to-ease-tensions.html |access-date=25 June 2023 |website=www.telegraph.co.uk|date=25 September 2015 |archive-date=27 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927233152/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/11891219/Refugee-crisis-Many-migrants-falsely-claim-to-be-Syrians-Germany-says-as-EU-tries-to-ease-tensions.html |url-status=live}}</ref> He argued for a punitive reduction in EU funding for member countries that rejected mandatory refugee quotas.<ref>"[http://www.dw.com/en/berlin-calls-for-sanctions-on-eu-states-that-reject-refugee-quotas/a-18714957 Berlin calls for sanctions on EU states that reject refugee quotas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908024236/https://www.dw.com/en/berlin-calls-for-sanctions-on-eu-states-that-reject-refugee-quotas/a-18714957|date=8 September 2020}}". [[Deutsche Welle]]. 15 September 2015.</ref> Meanwhile, [[Yasmin Fahimi]], secretary-general of the [[Social Democratic Party of Germany|Social Democratic Party]] (SPD), the junior partner of the ruling coalition, praised Merkel's policy allowing migrants in Hungary to enter Germany as "a strong signal of humanity to show that Europe's values are valid also in difficult times".<ref name="MerkelSplits" /> Merkel's approval rating dropped to 54% in October 2015, the lowest it had been since 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-02/merkel-approval-rating-drops-to-four-year-low-on-refugee-crisis |first=Rainer |last=Buergin |title=Merkel Approval Rating Drops to Four-Year Low on Refugee Crisis |work=Bloomberg |date=2 October 2015 |access-date=18 May 2021 |archive-date=7 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307231318/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-02/merkel-approval-rating-drops-to-four-year-low-on-refugee-crisis |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2015, there were talks inside the governing coalition to stop family unification for migrants for two years and to establish "Transit Zones" on the border. Additionally, there were plans to provide housing to migrants with a low likelihood of getting approved for asylum until the processing of their application. This led to increased tensions between the CSU, who were generally in favour of these measures and threatened to leave the coalition without them, and the SPD, who opposed them; Merkel agreed to the measures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Germany: Coalition split on transit zones |url=http://www.dw.com/en/germany-coalition-split-on-transit-zones/av-18824248 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104013756/http://www.dw.com/en/germany-coalition-split-on-transit-zones/av-18824248 |archive-date=4 November 2015 |access-date=4 November 2015 |work=DW.COM}}</ref> The [[November 2015 Paris attacks]] prompted a reevaluation of the German government's stance on EU migration policy.<ref name="ParisAttacksMigrants">{{cite news |last1=Emric |first1=Eldar |last2=Nellas |first2=Demetri |date=14 November 2015 |title=Paris Attacks Provoke Fresh Migrant Fears in Europe |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/14/world/europe/ap-eu-germany-migrants-rising-tensions.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118052008/http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/11/14/world/europe/ap-eu-germany-migrants-rising-tensions.html |archive-date=18 November 2015}}</ref> While she did not directly limit the number of immigrants, Merkel tightened asylum policy in Germany, for example through more thorough vetting of migrants with respect to internal safety and security.<ref>{{cite news |author=Alison Smale |date=28 November 2015 |title=Merkel, While Refusing to Halt Migrant Influx, Works to Limit It |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/world/europe/merkel-whilerefusing-to-halt-migrant-influx-works-to-limit-it.html |url-status=live |access-date=28 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606021248/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/29/world/europe/merkel-whilerefusing-to-halt-migrant-influx-works-to-limit-it.html |archive-date=6 June 2022}}</ref><ref name="ParisAttacksMigrants" />

In August 2016, following the [[Würzburg train attack]] in Germany and various other Islamist [[List of Islamist terrorist attacks in 2016|terror attacks]] in Europe, Merkel's approval rating dropped to 47%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend-585.html |date=4 August 2016 |title=ARD-Deutschlandtrend: Mehrheit gegen EU-Beitritt der Türkei |last=Ehni |first=Ellen |website=tagesschau.de |language=de-DE |access-date=9 November 2016 |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523163553/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend-585.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Half of Germans did not want her to serve a fourth term in office, with only 42% in favour of another term in office.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Turner|first1=Zeke|last2=Fairless|first2=Tom|title=Half of Germans Oppose Fourth Term for Angela Merkel, Survey Finds|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/half-of-germans-oppose-fourth-term-for-angela-merkel-survey-finds-1472379679|access-date=29 August 2016|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=28 August 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828185015/http://www.wsj.com/articles/half-of-germans-oppose-fourth-term-for-angela-merkel-survey-finds-1472379679|url-status=live}}</ref> In a poll from October that year, her approval rating was found to have risen again; 54% of Germans were found to be satisfied with the work of Merkel as Chancellor.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend-651.html|first=Ellen|last=Ehni|title=ARD-DeutschlandTrend: Merkel überwindet ihr Tief|date=6 October 2016|publisher=ARD-tagesschau|language=de-DE|trans-title=ARD-DeutschlandTrend: Merkel overcomes her low point.|access-date=9 November 2016|archive-date=13 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413113354/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/deutschlandtrend-651.html|url-status=live}}</ref> According to another poll taken in November 2016, 59% were to found to be in favour of a renewed Chancellorship candidature in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.wn.de/Welt/Politik/2016/11/2594749-Forsa-Umfrage-Mehrheit-fuer-erneute-Kanzlerkandidatur-Merkels |agency=dpa |title=Forsa-Umfrage: Mehrheit für erneute Kanzlerkandidatur Merkels |newspaper=Westfälische Nachrichten |language=de-DE |trans-title=Forsa Poll: Majority for renewed chancellor candidature of Merkel |access-date=9 November 2016 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518201319/https://www.wn.de/Welt/Politik/2016/11/2594749-Forsa-Umfrage-Mehrheit-fuer-erneute-Kanzlerkandidatur-Merkels |url-status=dead }}</ref> According to a poll carried out shortly after the [[2016 Berlin truck attack]], 56% of Germans named Merkel as a political leader they trusted to solve their country's problems.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.morgenpost.de/politik/inland/article209090001/Fluechtlingskrise-wird-2017-die-groesste-Herausforderung.html|title=Flüchtlingskrise wird 2017 die größte Herausforderung|last1=Gaugele|first1=Jochen|date=27 December 2016|last2=Kammholz|first2=Karsten|newspaper=Berliner Morgenpost|language=de-DE|trans-title=Refugee crisis to be biggest challenge in 2017|access-date=27 December 2016|archive-date=23 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423190451/https://www.morgenpost.de/politik/inland/article209090001/Fluechtlingskrise-wird-2017-die-groesste-Herausforderung.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Drehscheibe Köln-Bonn Airport - Ankunft Flüchtlinge 5. Oktober 2015-0308.jpg|thumb|Migrants in Germany, October 2015]]

In October 2016, Merkel travelled to [[Mali]] and [[Niger]]. The diplomatic visit took place to discuss how their governments could improve conditions which caused people to flee those countries and how illegal migration through and from these countries could be reduced.<ref name="Der Spiegel-2016">{{cite magazine |date=10 October 2016 |title=Hunderte Millionen gegen die Flucht |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/angela-merkel-in-niger-hunderte-millionen-gegen-die-flucht-a-1116005.html |url-status=live |magazine=[[Der Spiegel]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012215938/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/angela-merkel-in-niger-hunderte-millionen-gegen-die-flucht-a-1116005.html |archive-date=12 October 2016 |access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref>

The migrant crisis spurred right-wing electoral preferences across Germany with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining 12% of the vote in the [[2017 German federal election]]. These developments prompted debates over the reasons for increased right-wing populism in Germany. Some researchers have argued that increased right-wing preferences are a result of the European migrant crisis, particularly the increasingly common perception that refugees constitute an ethnic and cultural threat to Germany.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lucassen |first1=Geertje |last2=Lubbers |first2=Marcel |date=2012 |title=Who Fears What? Explaining Far-Right-Wing Preference in Europe by Distinguishing Perceived Cultural and Economic Threats |journal=Comparative Political Studies |volume=45 |issue=5 |doi=10.1177/0010414011427851 |s2cid=145071392 |issn = 0010-4140 }}</ref>

Some observers have described Merkel's policymaking with respect to the migrant crisis as a success.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=30 August 2020 |title=How Angela Merkel's great migrant gamble paid off |language=en-GB |work=The Observer |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/angela-merkel-great-migrant-gamble-paid-off |url-status=live |access-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604101628/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/30/angela-merkel-great-migrant-gamble-paid-off |archive-date=4 June 2023 |issn=0029-7712}}</ref> In 2022, the United Nations' [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees|High Commissioner for Refugees]] granted Merkel the Nansen Award for her "courage and compassion" during the crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex-German leader Angela Merkel wins UN refugee prize |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/4/ex-german-leader-angela-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604101630/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/10/4/ex-german-leader-angela-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize |archive-date=4 June 2023 |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2022 |title=Merkel wins UN refugee prize for 'courage and compassion' during migrant crisis |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221004-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize-for-courage-and-compassion-during-migrant-crisis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604101630/https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20221004-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize-for-courage-and-compassion-during-migrant-crisis |archive-date=4 June 2023 |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> However, Merkel has also faced significant criticism, particularly with regards to her policymaking early in the crisis, which some critics describe as hypocritically unilateral.<ref name="POLITICO-2018">{{Cite web |date=28 June 2018 |title=How Merkel broke the EU |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-broke-the-eu-migration-crisis-refugees/ |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref><ref name="The Irish Times">{{Cite news |title=Merkel faces tide of criticism as asylum scandal overruns Germany |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/merkel-faces-tide-of-criticism-as-asylum-scandal-overruns-germany-1.3518383 |access-date=29 June 2023 |newspaper=The Irish Times |archive-date=4 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604103935/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/merkel-faces-tide-of-criticism-as-asylum-scandal-overruns-germany-1.3518383 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===2018–2021: Third CDU–SPD grand coalition===

==== Election ====
In the [[2017 German federal election|2017 federal election]], Merkel led her party to victory for the fourth time. However, both the CDU/CSU and the SPD received a significantly lower proportion of the vote than they did in 2013, and the CDU/CSU subsequently attempted to form a coalition with the FDP and Greens.<ref>{{cite news |agency=dpa |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jamaika-koalition-angela-merkel-laedt-fuer-mittwoch-zu-sondierungsgespraechen-a-1172064.html|title=Koalition: Merkel lädt ab Mittwoch kommender Woche zu Jamaika-Gesprächen|date=9 October 2017|work=Der Spiegel|access-date=28 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015015957/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jamaika-koalition-angela-merkel-laedt-fuer-mittwoch-zu-sondierungsgespraechen-a-1172064.html|archive-date=15 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last1=Paun | first1=Carmen | title=Angela Merkel Ready to Move Forward with Jamaica Coalition | url=http://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-ready-to-move-forward-with-jamaica-coalition/ | date=7 October 2017 | work=[[Politico]] | access-date=9 October 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007204453/http://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-ready-to-move-forward-with-jamaica-coalition/ | archive-date=7 October 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The SPD announced that they would go into the Opposition, both due to their loss of popular support and because the idea of another grand coalition was widely unpopular at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2021 |title=Die Bundestagswahl 2017 und ihre Folgen |url=https://www.bpb.de/shop/zeitschriften/izpb/336545/die-bundestagswahl-2017-und-ihre-folgen/ |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=bpb.de |language=de |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604093937/https://www.bpb.de/shop/zeitschriften/izpb/336545/die-bundestagswahl-2017-und-ihre-folgen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 November 2017 |title=SPD: Martin Schulz schließt große Koalition aus |language=de |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jamaika-aus-spd-will-neuwahlen-und-stellt-sich-gegen-grosse-koalition-a-1179376.html |access-date=4 June 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604093937/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/jamaika-aus-spd-will-neuwahlen-und-stellt-sich-gegen-grosse-koalition-a-1179376.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Positionierung CDU und SPD – Keine Große Koalition um jeden Preis |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/positionierung-cdu-und-spd-keine-grosse-koalition-um-jeden-100.html |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=Deutschlandfunk |date=27 November 2017 |language=de |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604093937/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/positionierung-cdu-und-spd-keine-grosse-koalition-um-jeden-100.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The FDP eventually withdrew from negotiations with the CDU/CSU, leading to a stalemate.<ref name="Connolly">{{cite news|last1=Connolly|first1=Kate|title=Germany's SPD is ready for talks to end coalition deadlock|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/24/germany-spd-ready-for-talks-to-end-political-crisis-angela-merkel|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=24 November 2017|location=Berlin|date=24 November 2017|archive-date=24 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124134203/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/24/germany-spd-ready-for-talks-to-end-political-crisis-angela-merkel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 June 2021 |title=Bundestagswahl 2017: Die ewigen Sondierungsgespräche |url=https://www.fr.de/politik/bundestagswahl-2017-ewige-sondierungsgespraeche-90819103.html |access-date=4 June 2023 |website=www.fr.de |language=de |archive-date=4 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604093945/https://www.fr.de/politik/bundestagswahl-2017-ewige-sondierungsgespraeche-90819103.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The German President [[Frank-Walter Steinmeier]] subsequently appealed successfully to the SPD to change their hard stance against coalition with the CDU/CSU, and the SPD agreed to a third grand coalition with the CDU/CSU.<ref name="GrosseKoalition">{{cite news|title=Bundestag wählt Angela Merkel zum vierten Mal zur Bundeskanzlerin|date=14 March 2018|newspaper=[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]|url=https://www.nzz.ch/international/bundestag-waehlt-angela-merkel-zum-vierten-mal-zur-bundeskanzlerin-ld.1365837|agency=dpa|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-date=3 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190603170016/https://www.nzz.ch/international/bundestag-waehlt-angela-merkel-zum-vierten-mal-zur-bundeskanzlerin-ld.1365837|url-status=live}}</ref> The negotiations leading up to this agreement were the longest in German post-war history, lasting almost six months.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-never-ending-coalition-talks-break-record/a-41868786 |title=Germany's never-ending coalition talks break record |date=20 December 2017 |work=Deutsche Welle |access-date=14 December 2018 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215022314/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-never-ending-coalition-talks-break-record/a-41868786 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/04/germany-social-democrats-spd-vote-in-favour-of-coalition-angela-merkel|title=Merkel secures fourth term in power after SPD backs coalition deal|last=Oltermann|first=Philip|date=4 March 2018|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 December 2018|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215070203/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/mar/04/germany-social-democrats-spd-vote-in-favour-of-coalition-angela-merkel|url-status=live}}</ref>

A YouGov survey published in late December 2017 found that just 36% of all respondents wanted Merkel to stay at the helm until 2021, while half of those surveyed voters called for a change at the top before the end of the legislature.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/english/politics/cdu-leadership-waning-support-puts-merkels-future-in-doubt/23573560.html |first=Daniel |last=Delhaes |date=28 December 2017 |title=Waning support puts Merkel's future in doubt |newspaper=Handelsblatt Global |access-date=29 December 2017 |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130172208/https://www.handelsblatt.com/english/politics/cdu-leadership-waning-support-puts-merkels-future-in-doubt/23573560.html?ticket=ST-121866-QC2Tbfr4YXYWIcBgFQ0S-cas01.example.org |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Fourth Merkel cabinet]] was sworn in on 14 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2018/kw11-de-kanzlerwahl-546336|date=14 March 2018|title=Deutscher Bundestag – Angela Merkel mit 364 Stimmen zur Bundeskanzlerin gewählt|last=Müller|first=Volker|website=Deutscher Bundestag|language=de|access-date=14 December 2018|archive-date=12 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712161024/https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2018/kw11-de-kanzlerwahl-546336|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 2018 government crisis ====
{{Main|2018 German government crisis}}
As part of the newly formed government, the CSU's [[Horst Seehofer]] took over the role of Interior Minister.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 March 2018 |title=Facing far-right challenge, minister says Islam 'doesn't belong' to Germany |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-islam-idUSKCN1GS12V |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603190447/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-islam-idUSKCN1GS12V |archive-date=3 June 2023}}</ref> Seehofer announced that he had a "master plan for faster asylum procedures, and more consistent deportations."<ref name="Germany's future interior minister Horst Seehofer vows to increase deportations">{{cite news |date=11 March 2018 |title=Germany's future interior minister Horst Seehofer vows to increase deportations |publisher=Deusche Welle |url=http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-future-interior-minister-horst-seehofer-vows-to-increase-deportations/a-42925097 |url-status=live |access-date=16 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023833/http://www.dw.com/en/germanys-future-interior-minister-horst-seehofer-vows-to-increase-deportations/a-42925097 |archive-date=16 March 2018}}</ref> Under Seehofer's plan, Germany would immediately reject prospective immigrants who had already been deported or were subject to an entry ban. Additionally, the police would be instructed to turn away all applicants who had previously registered elsewhere in the EU, no matter if these countries agreed to take them back.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany: Interior minister gives Merkel ultimatum on migrants |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/6/19/germany-interior-minister-gives-merkel-ultimatum-on-migrants |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130172114/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/6/19/germany-interior-minister-gives-merkel-ultimatum-on-migrants |archive-date=30 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2020 |website=Al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=18 June 2018 |title=Germany's interior minister Horst Seehofer wants quick action on migrants|work=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/germany-s-interior-minister-horst-seehofer-wants-quick-action-on-migra-dgtl-238561 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618194454/https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/germany-s-interior-minister-horst-seehofer-wants-quick-action-on-migra-dgtl-238561 |archive-date=18 June 2018 |access-date=24 August 2021}}</ref> Merkel feared that unilaterally sending migrants back to neighbouring countries without seeking a multilateral European agreement could endanger the stability of the European Union.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Rankin |first1=Jennifer |last2=Oltermann |first2=Philip |date=28 June 2018 |title=Future of EU hinges on solving migration issue, says Merkel |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/28/future-of-eu-hinges-on-solving-migration-issue-says-merkel |url-status=live |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109080406/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/28/future-of-eu-hinges-on-solving-migration-issue-says-merkel |archive-date=9 January 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In June 2018, Seehofer issued an ultimatum to Merkel; as Interior Minister, he could unilaterally implement the policy without her support. Although he eventually agreed to cooperate with Merkel while she negotiated with other EU member countries, he went on to reject the EU agreement that she obtained.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merkel handed two-week ultimatum in migrant row |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/6/19/germany-interior-minister-gives-merkel-ultimatum-on-migrants|date=19 June 2018 |access-date=25 June 2023 |website=Al Jazeera |archive-date=22 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422131511/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/6/19/germany-interior-minister-gives-merkel-ultimatum-on-migrants |url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 July 2018, during a meeting with party leadership, Seehofer declared his intention to resign from his position in protest.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merkel coalition crisis: Seehofer offers to quit over migration |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/7/2/merkel-coalition-crisis-seehofer-offers-to-quit-over-migration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130172132/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/7/2/merkel-coalition-crisis-seehofer-offers-to-quit-over-migration |archive-date=30 November 2021 |access-date=12 November 2020 |website=Al Jazeera|date=2 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 July 2018 |title=Germany migrants: Key Merkel ally Seehofer threatens to quit |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44674945 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919222235/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44674945 |archive-date=19 September 2020 |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Oltermann |first1=Philip |last2=Chrisafis |first2=Angelique |last3=Connolly |first3=Kate |date=2 July 2018 |title=Merkel and Seehofer make last-ditch bid for migration compromise |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/01/merkel-fights-to-save-coalition-from-division-over-migration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031344/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/01/merkel-fights-to-save-coalition-from-division-over-migration |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> During the night of 2 July 2018, Seehofer and Merkel announced they had settled their differences and agreed to instead accept a compromise of tighter border control.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Andrea |last2=Marson |first2=James |date=2 July 2018 |title=Germany's Merkel Secures Deal on Migrants, Averts Government Collapse |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/merkel-faces-showdown-over-migrant-policy-1530539359 |url-status=live |access-date=16 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918135210/https://www.wsj.com/articles/merkel-faces-showdown-over-migrant-policy-1530539359 |archive-date=18 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Nadine |last2=Vonberg |first2=Judith |date=2 July 2018 |title=Germany's Merkel makes deal with interior minister on migration dispute |work=[[CNN International| CNN International Edition]] |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/02/europe/merkel-seehofer-government-intl/index.html?no-st=1530570558 |url-status=live |access-date=3 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050420/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/02/europe/merkel-seehofer-government-intl/index.html?no-st=1530570558 |archive-date=3 July 2018}}</ref> As a result of the agreement, Seehofer agreed to not resign,<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2018 |title=Germany migrants: Merkel averts coalition government split |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44685727 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041134/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44685727 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |access-date=16 September 2020 |work=BBC News}}</ref> and to negotiate bilateral agreements with the specific countries himself. Seehofer received some criticism for his stance in the crisis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 September 2018 |title=Migration: Kritik an Horst Seehofer |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/seehofer-kritik-1.4118914 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210219125748/https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/seehofer-kritik-1.4118914 |archive-date=19 February 2021 |access-date=8 June 2023 |website=Süddeutsche.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 September 2018 |title=Scharfe Kritik an Horst Seehofers Äußerungen über Migration |language=de |work=FAZ.NET |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/scharfe-kritik-an-horst-seehofers-aeusserungen-ueber-migration-15773928.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206015557/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/scharfe-kritik-an-horst-seehofers-aeusserungen-ueber-migration-15773928.html |archive-date=6 December 2022 |issn=0174-4909}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Germany|German government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}
[[File:Mateusz Morawiecki at the June 2021 EC Meeting (3).jpg|thumb|Merkel with UN Secretary-General [[António Guterres]] and Polish Prime Minister [[Mateusz Morawiecki]] in Brussels, 24 June 2021]]
In the initial phases of the pandemic, Germany established a crisis team to manage Germany's containment policy and pandemic response.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Germany is preparing for COVID-19 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-how-germany-is-preparing-for-a-possible-pandemic/a-52557646 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216234357/https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-how-germany-is-preparing-for-a-possible-pandemic/a-52557646 |archive-date=16 December 2022 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> In late February 2020, referring to this crisis team, Merkel recommended an approach characterised by moderation and an avoidance of extreme or universal measures ({{Lang|de|Maß und Mitte}}).<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 February 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Bundesregierung legt Krisen-Leitlinien fest – Merkel für Vorgehen mit "Maß und Mitte" – WELT |url=https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article206221797/Coronavirus-Bundesregierung-legt-Krisen-Leitlinien-fest-Merkel-fuer-Vorgehen-mit-Mass-und-Mitte.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312213859/https://www.welt.de/vermischtes/article206221797/Coronavirus-Bundesregierung-legt-Krisen-Leitlinien-fest-Merkel-fuer-Vorgehen-mit-Mass-und-Mitte.html |archive-date=12 March 2020 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=DIE WELT |language=de}}</ref>

On 18 March 2020, Merkel gave a widely publicised speech on the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing its challenges to the [[Second World War]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=An address to the nation by Federal Chancellor Merkel |url=https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/statement-chancellor-1732296 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603190447/https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-de/themen/coronavirus/statement-chancellor-1732296 |archive-date=3 June 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=Bundesregierung |language=de}}</ref>

{{Blockquote|text=Please also take this seriously. Since German reunification, no, since the Second World War, there has not been a challenge for our country in which action in a spirit of solidarity on our part was so important.|author=Angela Merkel}}

The speech was well-received both nationally and internationally, receiving widespread attention and an award for "speech of the year".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merkel COVID address honored as 'Speech of the Year' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-angela-merkels-coronavirus-address-honored-as-speech-of-the-year/a-55984728 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410092103/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-angela-merkels-coronavirus-address-honored-as-speech-of-the-year/a-55984728 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2020 |title=Angela Merkel: Coronavirus is Germany's biggest postwar challenge |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-coronavirus-is-germany-biggest-postwar-challenge/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407211030/https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkel-coronavirus-is-germany-biggest-postwar-challenge/ |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=POLITICO|first=Joshua|last=Posaner |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dempsey |first=Judy |date=24 March 2020 |title=Why Merkel's Coronavirus Address Matters |work=[[Carnegie Europe]] |url=https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/03/24/why-merkel-s-coronavirus-address-matters-pub-81357 |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521090642/https://carnegieeurope.eu/2020/03/24/why-merkel-s-coronavirus-address-matters-pub-81357 |archive-date=21 May 2023}}</ref>

On 6 April 2020, Merkel stated: "In my view ... the European Union is facing the biggest test since its foundation and member states must show greater solidarity so that the bloc can emerge stronger from the economic crisis unleashed by the pandemic".<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Markus Wacket |author2=Andreas Rinke |date=6 April 2020 |title=Coronavirus pandemic is historical test for EU, Merkel says |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-idUSKBN21O17F |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215133917/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-idUSKBN21O17F |archive-date=15 December 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Merkel has won international plaudits for her handling of the pandemic in Germany.<ref>{{cite web |last=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=16 April 2020 |title=Angela Merkel draws on science background in Covid-19 explainer: German chancellor excels in describing epidemiological basis of lockdown exit strategy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/16/angela-merkel-draws-on-science-background-in-covid-19-explainer-lockdown-exit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421061253/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/16/angela-merkel-draws-on-science-background-in-covid-19-explainer-lockdown-exit |archive-date=21 April 2020 |access-date=21 April 2020 |work=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="covid19-atlantic" />

Later that month, Merkel was praised for her accessible explanation of the [[basic reproduction number]], which had been an important metric in the German government's pandemic response.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhalla |first=Jag |date=17 April 2020 |title=This viral Angela Merkel clip explains the risks of loosening social distancing too fast |url=https://www.vox.com/2020/4/17/21225916/coronavirus-in-germany-angela-merkel-lifting-lockdown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603195519/https://www.vox.com/2020/4/17/21225916/coronavirus-in-germany-angela-merkel-lifting-lockdown |archive-date=3 June 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=16 April 2020 |title=Angela Merkel draws on science background in Covid-19 explainer |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/16/angela-merkel-draws-on-science-background-in-covid-19-explainer-lockdown-exit |url-status=live |access-date=3 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421061253/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/16/angela-merkel-draws-on-science-background-in-covid-19-explainer-lockdown-exit |archive-date=21 April 2020 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 April 2020 |title=Angela Merkel gave one of the clearest explanations of how coronavirus transmission works |url=https://qz.com/1839030/angela-merkel-explains-how-coronavirus-transmission-works |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603195518/https://qz.com/1839030/angela-merkel-explains-how-coronavirus-transmission-works |archive-date=3 June 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref> Merkel opposed [[Vaccination policy|mandatory vaccinations]], instead stressing scientific literacy and education.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Merkel stresses COVID vaccine is key, but voluntary |url=https://www.dw.com/en/covid-angela-merkel-says-no-plans-for-mandatory-vaccines-in-germany/a-58250471 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407211030/https://www.dw.com/en/covid-angela-merkel-says-no-plans-for-mandatory-vaccines-in-germany/a-58250471 |archive-date=7 April 2023 |access-date=3 June 2023 |website=dw.com |language=en}}</ref>

During the German presidency of the [[European Council]], Merkel spearheaded negotiations for the [[Next Generation EU|Next Generation EU reconstruction package]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2021 |title=Next Generation EU, Merkel's latest trick: good for Europe |url=https://aspeniaonline.it/next-generation-eu-merkels-latest-trick-good-for-europe/ |access-date=29 June 2023 |website=Aspenia Online |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Succession ===
On 29 October 2018, Merkel announced that she would not seek reelection as leader of CDU at their party conference in December 2018, but intended to remain as chancellor until the [[2021 German federal election]] was held. She stated that she did not plan to seek any political office after this. The resignations followed October setbacks for the CSU in the [[2018 Bavarian state election|Bavarian state election]] and for the CDU in the [[2018 Hessian state election|Hessian state election]].<ref>{{cite news |date=29 October 2018 |title=Angela Merkel to step down in 2021 |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46020745 |url-status=live |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029200326/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46020745 |archive-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Le Blond |first=Josie |date=29 October 2018 |title=German chancellor Angela Merkel will not seek re-election in 2021 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/29/angela-merkel-wont-seek-re-election-as-cdu-party-leader |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217163832/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/oct/29/angela-merkel-wont-seek-re-election-as-cdu-party-leader |archive-date=17 December 2020 |access-date=29 October 2018 |website=The Guardian |language=en}}</ref> In August 2019, Merkel hinted that she might return to academia at the end of her term in 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 August 2019 |title=Merkel hints at return to academia after politics |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-merkel-idUSKCN1VL0ER |url-status=live |access-date=1 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901093019/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-politics-merkel-idUSKCN1VL0ER |archive-date=1 September 2019}}</ref>

She decided not to suggest any person as her successor as leader of the CDU.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Moulson |first1=Geir |last2=Rising |first2=David |date=29 October 2018 |title=Angela Merkel won't seek 5th term as German chancellor |language=en |agency=Associated Press |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/merkels-coalition-mulls-implications-german-state-vote-58820813 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029113821/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/merkels-coalition-mulls-implications-german-state-vote-58820813 |archive-date=29 October 2018}}</ref> However, political observers had long considered [[Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer]] as Merkel's protégé groomed for succession. This view was confirmed when Kramp-Karrenbauer – widely seen as the chancellor's favourite for the post – was voted to succeed Merkel as leader of the CDU in December 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 December 2018 |title=Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer elected to succeed Merkel as CDU leader |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-elected-to-succeed-merkel-as-cdu-leader/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110125654/https://www.politico.eu/article/annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-elected-to-succeed-merkel-as-cdu-leader/ |archive-date=10 January 2021 |access-date=18 July 2019 |website=Politico}}</ref> Kramp-Karrenbauer's elevation to [[Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)|Defence Minister]] after [[Ursula von der Leyen]]'s departure to become [[president of the European Commission]] also boosted her standing as Merkel's most likely candidate for succession.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karnitschnig |first=Matthew |date=18 July 2019 |title=Angela Merkel's succession maneuver |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkels-succession-maneuver-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-germany-defense-minister-chancellor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718034256/https://www.politico.eu/article/angela-merkels-succession-maneuver-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-germany-defense-minister-chancellor/ |archive-date=18 July 2019 |access-date=18 July 2019 |website=Politico}}</ref> In 2019, media outlets speculated that Kramp-Karrenbauer might take over Merkel's position as [[Chancellor of Germany|Chancellor]] sooner than planned if the current [[Grand coalition (Germany)|governing coalition]] proved unsustainable.<ref name="ZukunftAMlautTK">{{cite news |author=Torsten Krauel, Chefkommentator |date=12 March 2019 |title=Kanzlerin Kramp-Karrenbauer? Eine Gespensterdebatte |newspaper=Die Welt |publisher=Axel Springer SE (WELT und N24Doku), Berlin |url=https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/article190169347/Merkel-Nachfolge-Kanzlerin-Kramp-Karrenbauer-Eine-Phantomdebatte.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410045146/https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/article190169347/Merkel-Nachfolge-Kanzlerin-Kramp-Karrenbauer-Eine-Phantomdebatte.html |archive-date=10 April 2019}}</ref><ref name="Ich will-2019">{{cite news |date=11 March 2019 |title=Ich will, dass Angela Merkel Kanzlerin bleibt |publisher=[[Der Spiegel]] (online) |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-will-dass-angela-merkel-bundeskanzlerin-bleibt-a-1257313.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319002423/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-annegret-kramp-karrenbauer-will-dass-angela-merkel-bundeskanzlerin-bleibt-a-1257313.html |archive-date=19 March 2019}}</ref> The possibility was neither confirmed nor denied by [[Christian Democratic Union of Germany|the party]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Angela Merkel's coalition is in trouble. That means Europe is, too |language=en |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/10/20/angela-merkels-coalition-is-in-trouble-that-means-europe-is-too |url-status=live |access-date=25 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071053/https://www.economist.com/leaders/2018/10/20/angela-merkels-coalition-is-in-trouble-that-means-europe-is-too |archive-date=25 October 2018}}</ref> In February 2020, Kramp-Karrenbauer announced that she would resign as party leader of the CDU in the summer, after party members in [[Thuringia]] defied official party lines and voted with [[Alternative for Germany]] to [[2020 Thuringian government crisis|support]] an FDP candidate for minister-president.<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 February 2020 |title=Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer: Favourite to replace Merkel stands down |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51441993 |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211211338/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51441993 |archive-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> Kramp-Karrenbauer was succeeded by [[Armin Laschet]] at the [[January 2021 Christian Democratic Union of Germany leadership election|2021 CDU leadership election]].<ref>{{cite web |date=16 January 2021 |title=Pragmatic governor Laschet elected to lead Merkel's party |url=https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-national-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-germany-2be065e51c2eb729d8b7b5ba8f23f183 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125140517/https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-national-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-germany-2be065e51c2eb729d8b7b5ba8f23f183 |archive-date=25 January 2021 |access-date=10 March 2021 |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

In the [[2021 German federal election|2021 federal election]], the SPD won the most votes. This necessitated long negotiations among the various parties to form a government. On 23 November 2021, a [[Scholz cabinet|new grand coalition]] was announced, with [[Olaf Scholz]] nominated to succeed Merkel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Germany's SPD, FDP and Greens unveil governing coalition deal |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-spd-fdp-and-greens-unveil-governing-coalition-deal/a-59915201 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125140926/https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-spd-fdp-and-greens-unveil-governing-coalition-deal/a-59915201 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |access-date=25 November 2021 |website=DW.COM |language=en-GB}}</ref> Merkel continued to serve as chancellor until 8 December 2021, when Scholz was sworn in.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 December 2021 |title=Olaf Scholz elected as Germany's new Chancellor, replacing Angela Merkel |website=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-08/olaf-scholz-elected-germanys-new-chancellor/100684978 |url-status=live |access-date=8 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130194818/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-08/olaf-scholz-elected-germanys-new-chancellor/100684978 |archive-date=30 January 2022}}</ref> The constituency she had held since its establishment in the German reunification was won by [[Anna Kassautzki]] ([[Social Democratic Party of Germany|SPD]]).<ref>{{Cite news|date=27 September 2021|title=Seat held by Merkel since 1990 won by SPD candidate born in 1993|author=Philip Oltermann|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/27/rival-spd-party-wins-district-held-angela-merkel-1990-anna-kassautzki|access-date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927113729/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/sep/27/rival-spd-party-wins-district-held-angela-merkel-1990-anna-kassautzki |url-status=live}}</ref>