News analysis

Stoic and unflappable, Merkel retains respect of Germans

German leader brushes off health scare and reduced political clout to stay engaged in world affairs

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Chancellor Angela Merkel has reached the autumn of her political life and although she still might be at the helm of the German government for two more years, she could also be out of office much sooner.

Her coalition has become fragile, with her own party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), losing in elections and even more so her partner, the Social Democratic Party.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 02, 2019, with the headline Stoic and unflappable, Merkel retains respect of Germans. Subscribe