Germany's Angela Merkel threw her weight behind her embattled new defence minister and heir-apparent yesterday, while insisting she herself was fit to carry on serving as chancellor through to the end of her term in 2021. Merkel has faith in her health and political protégéeMs Merkel, who turned 65 on Wednesday and has been in office since 2005, has suffered several bouts of shaking at public ceremonies in recent weeks that have stirred speculation about her health. Ms Merkel said she understood the questions about her health, but told her annual summer news conference: "As a person, I have a strong personal interest in my health and, as I said, 2021 is the conclusion of my political work. Asked how she was feeling, Ms Merkel added: "Good." "I am convinced she will do very well," said Ms Merkel.

Source: Irish Independent July 20, 2019 01:41 UTC