Angela Merkel

Merkel Hit By Bavarian Ally's Poor Poll Result
Germany's chancellor says she will fight to win back voters in time for next year's general election

Angela Merkel Admits an Unlikely Fantasy: I Wish I Were a Gymnast
Germany's chancellor admits she was often terrified of sports lessons, especially jumping and gymnastics

Angela Merkel: I Wish I'd Been a Gymnast
The German chancellor tells a women's magazine she would have liked to have mastered the balance beam

‘Iron Lady Challenges the Happiest Countries on Earth'
The third world tax havens, the Happiest Countries on Earth, are about to be challenged by the ‘Iron Lady’ of Germany, Angela Merkel.

Brandenburg Gate Speech Splits Berlin
Angela Merkel concerned about allowing a symbolic landmark in Berlin to be used for partisan speech

Chancellor Merkel Goes Fussball Crazy
Germans charmed by Merkel's enthusiasm which extends to sending players text messages before a game

Concessions to Merkel Threaten Climate Change Plan
Germany secures pledges that several of its heavy industries could be protected from international competition

Euro Fat Cats Under Attack
'Why should someone be showered with money when he has failed all the way down the line,' German chancellor Angela Merkel asked her Christian Democratic party

Merkel Challenges Liechtenstein Over Tax Evasion
German chancellor puts pressure on Liechtenstein to increase transparency of banks amid tax evasion inquiry

Merkel Backs Boot Camps for Criminal Youths As Poll Nears
Brutal attack on pensioner by immigrants fuels anger · SPD accuses chancellor of rightwing populism

Merkel Pledges Youth Crime Crackdown
Plans for boot camps sparked by election-driven debate about young immigrants and violent crime

Merkel Takes Up Mugabe Issue at Lisbon Summit
In the end it was German Chancellor Angela Merkel who addressed the elephant in the room

Merkel Says Mugabe Has Right to Attend Summit
President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is entitled to attend a Europe-Africa summit in December, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said this weekend.

Merkel Angers China Over Tibet
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, went ahead with an informal meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama yesterday, despite China canceling a meeting between a German minister and Chinese officials in an apparent expression of disapproval.

Poland Riles Germany With a Lewd Take on the Motherland
A glossy magazine cover depicting a bare-breasted Angela Merkel suckling the nationalist twin rulers of Poland has reignited tensions between Berlin and Warsaw.

Germany Snubs New French President's Airbus 'summit'
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has turned down an invitation from the new French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, to discuss the future of Airbus and ownership of its parent company.

Merkel's Modest Rise to Summit
German Chancellor's pragmatism and gift for consensus has won her world acclaim and the chance to dominate next month's G8 agenda.

Merkel Urges Quicker Action on Climate Change
Europe has everything to lose if it does not move faster to cut carbon dioxide emissions and invest in more environmentally friendly energy sources, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, warned EU leaders today as they met to decide on a new green fuel strategy.

Merkel Goes in Search of a New German Miracle
When George Bush looks for a European partner, he increasingly looks to Chancellor Angela Merkel. These are the dog days of the Blair era. Almost unnoticed, Mr Blair has become an ex-poodle. By Simon Tisdall

Merkel Needs a Running Mate to Revive Eu Constitution
The high-risk nature of Germany's bid to resurrect the EU constitution is only now sinking in as Berlin confronts the sheer scale of the task chancellor Angela Merkel has set her country's six-month presidency.

Merkel to Push for Constitution in Bid to Save Europe's Soul
German chancellor makes reviving treaty her priority - Public to be excluded from debate on future of Europe

Germany Sets Timetable for Resurrection of Eu Constitution
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, today declared that the 'pause for reflection' on the stalled EU constitution was over.

Angela Merkel on the German Passion for Europe
Angela Merkel proved her stamina as she fought to be the first woman chancellor. She tells Ian Traynor about her Middle East peace plan and the German passion for Europe.

Merkel Hits Out at Russian Oil Pipeline Closure
German chancellor joins EU in attacking Russia over its closure of pipeline supplying oil to Europe.

Angry Merkel Attacks Putin Over Latest Pipeline Closure
Russian pricing row with Belarus alarms EU - Dispute hastens effort to safeguard energy supplies

Merkel Will Not Seek Deadline for Turkey to Open Ports to Cyprus
Angela Merkel backed away from a confrontation over Turkey's EU membership talks by declaring she was not setting an ultimatum for Ankara to open its ports to Greek Cypriot shipping.

Merkel Furious Over Afghan Skull Pictures
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has expressed disgust today at pictures of German soldiers posing with a human skull in Afghanistan.

Merkel Under Attack As Poll Ratings Plummet
· Leadership style prompts criticism of chancellor · Healthcare reforms fail to quell fears for coalition

A More Assertive German Chancellor
As she struggles to keep Europe's 'grand coalition' together, Angela Merkel will not be afraid to speak out in Germany's interest, writes Nicholas Watt.

Chill Settles Over Eu's Lovebirds
The European commission president's 'Europe of results' has alienated his former devotee Angela Merkel, says Nicholas Watt.

Merkel Ousts Rice As Forbes' Top Woman
If Hillary Clinton returns to the White House, debates over the identity of the world's most powerful woman will become very predictable. Meanwhile, though, the balance has swung across the Atlantic from the US to Europe: the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has knocked Condoleezza Rice, the American secretary of state, from the top of Forbes magazine's list of the 100 most powerful women.

Merkel Backs More Christian Eu Constitution
Europe's 'Christian values' should be enshrined in a new version of the EU constitution, the German chancellor declared yesterday after meeting the Pope.

German Anger at Orchestration of Visit By Bush to See Merkel
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to protest tomorrow when George Bush arrives in Germany tonight for a three-day bonding session with its chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Protests Planned for Bush-merkel Talks
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to protest on Thursday against the US president, George Bush, who arrives in eastern Germany tomorrow night for a three-day bonding session with Germany's leader, Angela Merkel.

German Anger As Bush Flies in to Bond With Merkel
Thousands of demonstrators are expected to protest tomorrow against the US president, George Bush, who arrives in eastern Germany tonight for a three-day bonding session with Germany's leader, Angela Merkel.

Merkel Calls for Fundamental Review of European Mission
Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel, yesterday called for a fundamental rethink of Europe's mission, saying its historic rationale of preserving peace after the second world war was no longer sufficient.

Merkel Challenges Putin on Human Rights
Relations between Germany and Russia moved into a cooler phase yesterday when Angela Merkel used her inaugural trip to Moscow to raise the previously taboo subject of human rights abuses.

Merkel Mends Fences in Washington
Relations between George Bush and Gerhard Schröder sank so low that the president refused to take the former German chancellor's phone calls.

Summit between Angela Merkel and George Bush
Today's White House summit between Angela Merkel and George Bush will not require an armistice...

Merkel Tries to Act As Dealmaker in Change of German Style
A month after taking office in Germany, Angela Merkel made her presence felt in Europe for the first time yesterday when she played a key role behind the scenes at the EU summit. In a series of meetings with fellow leaders, the new German chancellor tried to broker compromises on the most contentious areas of Britain's rebate and the future of the EU's multibillion-pound budget.

Merkel Warns Cameron Over Mep Plans
Angela Merkel, Germany's new chancellor, has made her first intervention in British politics by issuing a veiled warning to David Cameron to pull back from abandoning the main centre-right grouping in the European parliament.

Merkel Promises to Transform Relations With Washington
· Chancellor's top priority is to improve economy · Opposition unimpressed after first major speech

Merkel Defiant Over Iraq Hostage
The fate of the German woman being held captive in Iraq today overshadowed Angela Merkel's first speech to the German parliament as chancellor.

Merkel Faces Dilemma Over German Aid Worker Kidnap
Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel, was facing her first crisis yesterday after a German archaeologist became the latest foreigner to be kidnapped in Iraq. An Iraqi insurgent group released grainy video footage showing Susanne Osthoff, 43, kneeling and blindfolded.

Merkel Takes Over and Faces Instant Rebellion
Angela Merkel has become Germany's first woman chancellor, winning 397 votes in the 614-seat Bundestag, or lower house.

Merkel Sworn in As German Chancellor
Angela Merkel was today sworn in as Germany's first female chancellor and its first leader from the former East Germany more than two months after the elections that ousted her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder. Ms Merkel will lead an uneasy coalition of Germany's two main parties, her...

New German Chancellor to Visit London, Gateway to Washington
Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor-designate, has signalled her intention to make a fresh start in the country's recent troubled relations with Britain by visiting Tony Blair.

Merkel's Tax Plans Appal Germans
Germany's chancellor designate Angela Merkel yesterday promised to restore Germany's place among Europe's leading countries, amid growing public outrage over her plans to increase taxes.

Merkel Seals Deal for Grand Coalition
Germany moved into a new political era last night as the country's two biggest parties reached a historic deal to form a leftright "grand coalition".

German Parties Seal 'grand Coalition'
Germany's two biggest parties agreed a formal coalition deal tonight, allowing Angela Merkel to take over as chancellor nearly two months after the country's general election.

Merkel Stranded As Ally Quits Grand Coalition
· Elections loom after shock announcement by Stoiber · Move could hurt Blair's plan to get EU budget deal.

Indecisive Voters May Force Rightwinger to Take a Left Turn in Germany
Will the grand coalition last? After weeks of rumour and intrigue Germany finally got yesterday what everyone had expected - a grand coalition led by Angela Merkel.

Merkel to Become German Chancellor
Angela Merkel is set to become the new German chancellor after the country's two biggest parties concluded a power-sharing agreement, German media reported today.

Merkel Poised to Become German Chancellor
Angela Merkel is set to become the new German chancellor after the country's two biggest parties concluded a power-sharing agreement, German media reported today.

Schröder Meets Merkel Amid Rumours of His Resignation
Chancellor Gerhard Schröder of Germany is to hold an "imminent" summit with his conservative rival Angela Merkel, amid speculation that he is now preparing to resign - possibly as early as today.

Dresden Win Provides Timely Boost for Merkel in Effort to Become Chancellor
Germany's conservative leader Angela Merkel won an important symbolic victory last night when her party gained an extra seat in the eastern city of Dresden.

Merkel's Party Attacks 'putsch' As Spd Plays Numbers Game
The post-election power struggle between Germany's political parties became bitter yesterday, with Angela Merkel's conservatives accusing the chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, of trying to stage a 'putsch'.

Schröder to Meet Merkel, But a Meeting of Minds is Unlikely
Germany's chancellor Gerhard Schröder will today hold talks with his rival Angela Merkel, despite little prospect that either of them is prepared to back down in their battle to become the country's next leader.

Merkel Wins Vote of Confidence From Mps As Coalition Talks Begin
Schröder may take gamble to stay on as chancellor Green leader Joschka Fischer steps down.

New Election Looms As Greens Reject Merkel
Schröder could stay as chancellor until poll in new year.

Shattered Merkel Forced to Seek Coalition Partner
CDU shocked at failure to win clear majority

Merkel's Own Goals Give Her Rival a Sporting Chance
· Frontrunner in German election sees support slip · Schröder turns focus on rival's finance spokesman

Schröder's Wife Targets Merkel
The wife of Germany's chancellor, Gerhard Schröder, yesterday rebuked her husband's conservative challenger, Angela Merkel, saying she had done nothing to help German women.

Merkel Aides Admit Plagiarising Reagan Speech
Germany's conservative leader Angela Merkel faced acute embarrassment last night after aides admitted that she had plagiarised a speech used by Ronald Reagan in a 1980 US presidential debate for her own television election duel with Gerhard Schröder, the Social Democratic chancellor.

Germans Buy Merkel's Miracle
As voters yearn for the Cold War certainties and economic power, Jason Burke in eastern Germany finds Christian Democrat leader Angela Merkel rallying former communist territory with hardline Thatcherite policies.

Germany in Flux As 48pc Can't Decide How to Vote
Angela Merkel is dull, which is why half the electorate cannot make up their minds whether they like her. Luke Harding in Berlin reports.

Merkel Parades Shadow Cabinet As Election Nears
Germany's conservative leader, Angela Merkel, yesterday presented her campaign team for next month's general election, shrugging off remarks by a colleague who had described east German voters as "stupid cows".

Merkel Unveils 'cabinet' Ahead of German Elections
German voters today got a glimpse of their potential future government, as the Conservative frontrunner to replace Gerhard Schröder as chancellor unveiled her likely cabinet. The Conservative Democratic Union (CDU) candidate, Angela Merkel, included a former judge, who has advocated a...

Merkel Rebukes Ally for East German Snub
The Conservative leader tipped to replace Gerhard Schröder as German chancellor in next month's election has rebuked her most senior ally for suggesting East Germans were frustrated and stupid. Angela Merkel, the Conservative Democratic (CDU) candidate for chancellor and more than...

Q&A: the German Election
Polls show that the seemingly unassailable lead of Angela Merkel, the conservative challenger to Gerhard Schröder in the upcoming German election, is beginning to falter. Matthew Tempest looks at the likely outcomes for Germany and the rest of Europe of the September 18 vote.

Merkel Unveils Tax-raising Manifesto
Germany's conservative opposition leader, Angela Merkel, yesterday announced plans to increase VAT from 16% to 18% if she wins the general election, expected in September.

'Thatcher Lite' to Topple Schröder
Germany's conservative opposition leader Angela Merkel emerges as the undisputed challenger to the chancellor Gerhard Schröder.

Germany's Thatcher Under Pressure
Angela Merkel is losing public support as internal conflict divides the Christian Democrats, writes Luke Harding.

German right to put up hardliner
The moderate leader of the largest conservative party in Germany stepped aside last night to make way for a hardline rightwinger to challenge Chancellor Gerhard Schröder in the September general election. Angela Merkel, the first easterner and woman to lead the right in Germany,...