Olaf Scholz Takes Over From Angela Merkel as Germany's New Chancellor
09:20 GMT 08.12.2021 (Updated: 10:23 GMT 08.12.2021)
© INA FASSBENDERDesignated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (first row, R) is applauded after he was elected as the country's next Chancellor during a session at the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on December 8, 2021.
© INA FASSBENDER
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The 63-year-old politician served as vice-chancellor and finance minister in Angela Merkel's outgoing government.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has appointed Olaf Scholz from the Social Democratic Party as the country's new chancellor, according to the N24 tv channel’s broadcast.
Earlier, Scholz was elected as new chancellor of Germany after receiving a clear majority of 395 out of 736 votes from lawmakers in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.
Herzlichen Glückwunsch : Bundeskanzler @OlafScholz 🌻💚🌈 pic.twitter.com/gmjOR9uHsn
— Filiz Polat 🕊🌈💚🌻🚦 (@filizgreen) December 8, 2021
His new government is formed of Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats.
Scholz has replaced the leader of the Christian Democratic Union Angela Merkel, who has stepped down after 16 years in office.
The outgoing chancellor received a standing ovation at the Bundestag before Scholz took over from her.
Standing ovation for Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Bundestag, just before @OlafScholz takes her place pic.twitter.com/hxqeIinRha
— Danel Lushi (@DanelLushi) December 8, 2021