SEE ALSO: Merkel's favoured successor AKK to become German defence ministerAt a naming ceremony at the presidential palace in Berlin in Merkel's presence, the 56-year-old formally accepted the portfolio from von der Leyen. "The men and women of the Bundeswehr (armed forces) deserve the highest political priority and my full commitment," she said. News weekly Der Spiegel said the defence ministry, rocked by a series of mismanagement allegations on von der Leyen's watch, could prove to be a "minefield" for AKK. "The chancellery remains the big goal and the defence ministry can serve as a stage for her to prove herself." After a series of shaking spells at public ceremonies in the last month, Merkel remained seated for most of the naming ceremony, along with von der Leyen and AKK.

Source: The Local July 17, 2019 15:42 UTC