Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel is being honored with the highest possible decoration in Germany, a special edition of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will present the award to the Christian Democrat in April. The cabinet of the Federal President thus confirmed a message from Stern on Tuesday.
So far, only former chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl (both also CDU) have received this high award.
Above the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit is only this special version of the Grand Cross, which every Federal President automatically receives upon taking office. Otherwise, it is only awarded to foreign heads of state.
Merkel served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. According to Stern, many political allies will be present at the awards ceremony in addition to her family.
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