Shaking Angela Merkel sparks health concerns for German chancellor
- German leader’s legs and body were visibly trembling as she stood with Ukraine’s president in hot weather outside the chancellery
German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared unsteady and was visibly shaking on Tuesday as she greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin, raising concerns about her health.
When Merkel stood with Zelensky in 28-degree Celsius (82-degree Fahrenheit) heat while a military band played their national anthems outside the chancellery, the chancellor’s legs and body visibly shook and she pursed her lips as she tried to contain the situation.
But following the anthems, Merkel seemed better, walking quickly along the red carpet with Zelensky into the building, pausing to greet the military band and take a salute.
About an hour later following their meeting, Merkel told reporters at a joint news conference that had they had discussed bilateral issues and the Minsk peace process.
Merkel did not immediately say anything about the incident, instead focusing on their talks during what was Zelensky’s first visit to the German capital as president.