For her 60th birthday, Merkel wants... a science lecture: Report

German Chancellor Angela Merkel waves as she arrives for an election rally in Berlin on May 14, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
German Chancellor Angela Merkel waves as she arrives for an election rally in Berlin on May 14, 2014. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

BERLIN (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to celebrate her 60th birthday at a reception with hundreds of guests by inviting a scientist to give a lecture, a report said on Sunday.

Dr Merkel, a trained physical chemist, reaches the milestone in July when her Christian Democrats plan to throw an event at party headquarters for around 500 people, according to Der Spiegel news magazine.

Like for her 50th in 2004 when to general surprise a brain researcher spoke at a similar event for Dr Merkel, then still just party leader, a scientific lecture is again in the works, it said.

"It's said that Merkel has not yet decided which professor will speak," Spiegel said, adding that invitations were due to be sent out after this week's European elections.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.