Angela Merkel's official term as Chancellor of Germany ended on the 26th (local time). Chancellor Merkel will continue to lead the existing cabinet in an acting capacity until the next coalition government is formed.
Germany's S?ddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) reported on the 27th that the constitutional term of Chancellor Merkel and her cabinet ended as the German Bundestag was newly formed the day before.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented dismissal certificates to Chancellor Merkel and the cabinet at the presidential palace the previous day and requested that they maintain the acting government until the next federal government is formed.
President Steinmeier said, "Chancellor Merkel's tenure was one of the most outstanding periods in German history," expressing gratitude for her "dedication to democracy."
He evaluated that Chancellor Merkel earned the trust of citizens despite facing many crises during her 16 years in office, and was respected and loved not only in Germany but also in the international community.
Chancellor Merkel and the cabinet will maintain the acting government until coalition negotiations are completed and a new chancellor is elected. Chancellor Merkel holds the same authority as during her regular term, but it is customary not to make decisions or pass legislation that would affect the next government's term.
The center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which won the general election held a month ago, is currently negotiating a coalition with the Green Party and the Free Democratic Party. The goal is for Olaf Scholz, the SPD chancellor candidate, to take office on December 6.
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