Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel received the Merit Order of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Stralsund on Monday, with the ceremony beginning at 3:30 PM. The award was presented by State Premier Manuela Schwesig of the SPD, who described Merkel's long representation of the northeastern state as "a true stroke of luck" for the region. Merkel had served as a member of parliament for the constituency for over 30 years since 1990, winning the direct mandate in all eight elections during that period and maintaining her constituency office in Stralsund.
During the ceremony, Schwesig highlighted Merkel's personal commitment to numerous projects in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern throughout her political career. The state premier specifically mentioned the completion of the A20 highway, construction of the Rügen Bridge, and development of the Nature Heritage Center in Prora as initiatives Merkel had significantly advanced. Merkel was also credited with supporting the shipbuilding and maritime industries in the state while consistently making time for regional concerns despite her international obligations.
While the award ceremony proceeded inside Stralsund's town hall, a contrasting political scene unfolded outside where approximately 200 people gathered for an AfD protest on the Old Market square. The demonstration, which featured eight police vans, was audible within the hall where Merkel was being honored. The right-wing populist party, now the largest opposition party in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, criticized what they termed Merkel's "uncontrolled mass immigration" policies from a decade earlier, calling the award ceremony "sheer mockery."
In her acceptance speech, Merkel described the honor as "a great honor" and viewed it as recognition for an entire generation that had engaged in rebuilding efforts following German reunification. She reflected on the significant challenges faced during that period, including high unemployment in eastern Germany. Merkel also addressed contemporary concerns, urging officials not to allow the 1990 slogan "We are the people" to be used to divide society between elites and ordinary citizens, emphasizing that such distinctions contradict constitutional principles.
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