Germany's Scholz sworn in as chancellor, Merkel era ends

Scholz, his new cabinet sworn in, marking the end of Merkel's 16-year reign

Merkel leaves office with high approval ratings, Scholz faces challenges

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his new cabinet were sworn in on Wednesday, marking the beginning of a new era in German politics and the end of Angela Merkel's 16-year reign.

Merkel, who has been in power since 2005, leaves office with high approval ratings. She is widely credited with steering Germany through the global financial crisis, the eurozone crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scholz, who is a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party, faces a number of challenges, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the rising cost of living.