Merkel, chancellor since 2005 and the EU’s longest-serving leader, was sworn in Wednesday with a “grand coalition” of Germany’s biggest parties. However, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier underlined expectations that Germany should serve as an example as he formally appointed her government. At home, Merkel will have to hold together potentially her most fragile governing coalition yet in what is widely expected to be her last term. With all the coalition parties keen to send signals of renewal, she leads a much-changed Cabinet. At least 35 coalition lawmakers didn’t support her in Wednesday’s 364-315 vote, and Merkel won only nine votes more than the absolute majority she needed.

Source: National Post March 14, 2018 07:23 UTC