Merkel took a seat next to visiting Moldovan Prime Minister Maia Sandu during military honours for her guest, one day before the German leader's 65th birthday. She has suffered three bouts of uncontrolled shaking while standing at public ceremonies, and remained seated last week as national anthems were played during a ceremony with Denmark's new prime minister. Merkel is expected to embark on her annual summer holiday later this month. A poll published at the weekend indicated that 59 percent of Germans saw the shaking as Merkel's "private" matter, while 34 percent said it was a matter of public interest. SEE ALSO: Most Germans believe Merkel shaking 'a private issue'Merkel has been in power since 2005 and plans to step down at the end ofher fourth term, in 2021.

Source: The Local July 16, 2019 12:33 UTC