Angela Merkel to be awarded Germany’s highest order of merit

Former leader to be given Großkreuz for contribution to political life, in move criticised by some

Germany’s former leader Angela Merkel is to be awarded the country’s highest order of merit despite criticism over her legacy.

Merkel will be presented with the honour by the president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in Berlin on Monday evening in recognition of her contribution to German political life at an event to be attended by her political allies, including the current chancellor, Olaf Scholz, the former national football coach Jürgen Klinsmann and family and friends.