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Chancellor Merkel at the awarding of the honorary doctorate with Ronald Daniels, President of the Johns Hopkins University
Photo: Manuel Balce Ceneta / dpa
Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) is currently traveling through the USA.
She has already met with Vice President Kamala Harris and will later be received by US President Joe Biden.
In the meantime she has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University.
In her speech, Merkel pointed out the dangers of the corona virus.
Figures and facts about the pandemic are still as important today "as they were on the first day".
A global caseload website run by scientists at Johns Hopkins University had become a high-profile reference in the pandemic.
Since the early days of the pandemic, "researchers have given politicians a tool," said Merkel.
"I would like to thank you very much for this outstanding work." You yourself have benefited greatly from it.
The university is considered to be one of the best universities in the United States
In his address in Washington, the President of the University, Ronald Joel Daniels, emphasized Merkel's firm trust in scientific approaches in the fight against the corona pandemic.
Founded in 1876 in Baltimore, Maryland, the private university is considered one of the best universities in the country.
The university's facilities include the School of Advanced International Studies in the capital, Washington.
Merkel was honored there.
It is already her 18th honorary doctorate.
When putting on the ceremonial robe, Merkel initially had some difficulties, but Daniels was able to help her successfully.
After receiving an honorary doctorate, Merkel was asked about her plans for the end of her time as Chancellor.
She will "not accept the next invitation right away because I'm afraid I have nothing to do and nobody wants me anymore," she said.
Instead, she wanted to take a break and think "what actually interests me."
In the past 16 years, she has had little time for this.
"And then maybe I'll try to read something, then my eyes will close because I'm tired, then I'll sleep a little, and then we'll see."
"I will like that very much"
Merkel also made it clear that she would not miss having to constantly make decisions.
It is true that she would probably have a lot of thoughts out of habit about what she should do now.
But »then it will quickly occur to me that someone else is doing this now.
And I think I'll like that very much. ”Merkel has been Federal Chancellor since 2005, but will not run again in the Bundestag election on September 26th.
At the later meeting with Joe Biden, among other things, the dispute over the Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 and the dealings with China will be an issue.
Merkel is the first European head of government to be received in the White House by the president, who has been in office since January.
During the trip, Merkel also commented on the flood disaster in Germany and promised support to the people in the flood areas.
You have already spoken to Finance Minister Olaf Scholz (SPD) about how the federal government could help.
Merkel said that the federal government would also speak about what help could be given with the upcoming construction work.
lau / AFP
