Former Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has praised Angela Merkel, his successor, as a 'special political opponent' on her 70th birthday. Schröder, who was defeated by Merkel in the 2005 race for the Chancellorship, commended her 'typical North German charm' and her 'ability to use irony'.
Federal President Steinmeier also sees Merkel as a role model and a 'hallmark of our democracy'. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder also paid their respects.
However, there was a rift between Merkel and former CSU chairman Horst Seehofer during the migration crisis. CDU politician Jens Spahn criticized Merkel's approach to dealing with Putin's Russia and nuclear energy.
Despite some criticism, the majority of Germans view the Merkel era positively, with many missing her leadership. The nuclear phaseout and suspension of compulsory military service are controversial topics, with support from AfD supporters and rejection from AfD sympathizers.
Overall, Merkel is seen as a better crisis manager than Scholz.
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