Steinmeier pays tribute to Merkel's achievements on the occasion of her 70th birthday

Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Angela Merkel's achievements as she turns 70. He highlighted her role in shaping a united Germany and commended her resilience, sense of duty, and humanity. The SPD leader, Saskia Esken, admired Merkel's empathy and ability to seek common ground.

However, Union parliamentary group deputy leader Jens Spahn criticized Merkel's handling of mass migration, her ties with Russia, and the decision to phase out nuclear power. A YouGov poll indicated that 61% of respondents believed Germany had worsened since Merkel's tenure, with 28% attributing it to the current government's policies.

Merkel, the first female German chancellor, played a pivotal role in politics and became a role model for many.