The President of the European Parliament, Malta’s Roberta Metsola, met with the former German chancellor Angela Merkel in the building of the Bundestag in Berlin, Germany.

Dr Metsola is on a visit to Germany, as Europe Day is celebrated today, 9th May 9.

In comments, she said that Angela Merkel is an unyielding leader who never shied away from taking necessary decisions.

"You are a figure of hope who inspired so many women as she shattered one glass ceiling after the other. A symbol of strength, a special friend of the people of Malta and Gozo, who always stood up to protect our values," said President Metsola while thanking Ms Merkel.

During her visit, a month ahead of the European elections, President Metsola also met with young Germans, where she listened to them, answered their questions, and encouraged them to vote in the European elections next month.

Ms Merkel broke all glass ceilings, being the first woman to hold top office in the manufacturing and industrial powerhouse that is Germany, a leading force among the EU Member States.

The retired politician and chemist held the chancellor position for 16 years, between 2005 and 2021. On a policy level, she was a leading figure in European politics and heavily advocated for austerity across the EU as a path to recovery from the economic lows of 2012.

When Europe was faced with its most stark refugee crisis since World War II, Ms Merkel faced immense criticism for keeping the country’s borders open and advocating for the resettlement of large numbers of people in Germany. As a result, in 2015, more than one million migrants entered the country. And while this policy decision earned the former chancellor heavy criticism, she continues to be known for her pro-humanitarian action.