Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel attended the federal congress of her Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in Stuttgart for the first time since leaving office. The event is broadcast on NTV. The delegates greeted him with a standing ovation.
"First of all, I welcome the former president of the German CDU, our long-time Chancellor Angela Merkel. Dear Angela, greetings," said the current head of the government and CDU president Friedrich Mertz, opening the congress. Merkel served as chancellor from 2005 to 2021. He started his party career with Mertz, whom he managed to defeat in the internal political struggle. Mertz returned to active politics when Merkel announced her resignation in 2018.
According to the German media, the relationship between the two politicians continues to be complicated. Mertz has rejected some of his predecessor's political legacy, while the former chancellor regularly criticizes the current head of government.
