Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reappeared after a long absence at the congress of her party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). For 50 seconds, CDU chairman and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz allowed thunderous applause to continue before bringing it to a halt.
“First and foremost, I welcome the former chairwoman of the CDU, our long-serving Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Dear Angela, a warm welcome,” Friedrich Merz said at the outset.
Two other former party leaders – Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Armin Laschet – also attended the congress. Traditionally, all former party leaders are invited to party conventions as honorary guests.
“The exception proves the rule”
Merkel has repeatedly and publicly criticized Merz – both when he served as opposition leader and later as Chancellor. She did attend the Bundestag in May 2025 for Merz’s election as Chancellor, but after the unsuccessful first round of voting she left the chamber. The swearing-in ceremony of the Chancellor and the government took place without her participation. Last November, she declined to attend Merz’s 70th birthday celebration due to a trip to Israel.
Merkel also declined invitations to party congresses in 2022, 2024 and 2025. Two years ago, her office justified the refusal by stating: “This is consistent with her repeatedly – at the end of her term and thereafter – publicly expressed position that after leaving active politics she generally does not participate in current political events.”
Only a few days ago, she unexpectedly announced that she would attend the CDU congress in Stuttgart.
When asked whether the former Chancellor’s post-office approach had now changed, Merkel’s office replied: “No, the exception proves the rule.”