Foreign media speculate that Merkel will grow potatoes or engage in scientific research after leaving office?
At 9 a.m. local time on December 8, Olaf Schultz, the candidate of the German SPD Chancellor, was formally elected as the new Chancellor of the German Federal Government, and Angela Merkel, who had been in power for 16 years, officially stepped down.
From the busy pace of life, how does Merkel plan her life next?
Within a few months
Not attend any appointments
Two years ago, Merkel's body showed some minor conditions, and her body trembling symptoms appeared in public, but she claimed that she was in good condition and continued to work until this year, which seemed to reflect her "Iron Lady". title.
Merkel has been tight-lipped about her retirement plan because she doesn't seem to have a clear plan.
"Do I want to write something? Do I want to stay at home? Do I want to walk around?" she said in an interview with Nigerian writer Adic in September. "I'm 67 years old and I have time left. It’s not too much. I hope to think very seriously about what I want to do in the next stage of my life."
Merkel's endurance is amazing, she can still maintain energy after all-night meetings.
She once said that she can store sleep like a camel stores water, and only needs a little sleep time to stay active.
Now, as she wished to usher in her retirement, she also began to talk frankly about the need for enough rest time, and said that she would not participate in any appointments in the months after leaving office.
"I need to take a good rest, try to read a few good books, and then make other plans." She said, hoping to think about things that really interest me during this time.
Pension is guaranteed
Is it going back to the pastoral or regaining academics?
According to foreign media reports, after Merkel resigns, she can continue to receive three months' salary (monthly salary of 25,000 euros), and then receive half of the original salary as a transition allowance for a maximum of 21 months.
Afterwards, the pension fund is calculated according to the German Taxpayers Association and will receive approximately 15,000 Euros (equivalent to approximately 107,000 RMB) per month.
According to reports, Merkel currently lives in a fourth-floor apartment in Berlin and often goes to the supermarket to buy groceries by herself.
Merkel said in an interview in 2013 that she likes growing vegetables, especially potatoes, because her favorite dish is potato soup.
Some media also pointed out that in addition to pursuing a quiet life, Merkel may also start speaking tours.
Because Merkel has received honorary doctorates from academic institutions in the United States, Germany, the Netherlands and other countries.
After graduating with a master's degree in 1978, Merkel has been engaged in scientific research at the Physical Chemistry Research Center of the former East German Academy of Sciences, and later obtained a doctorate in physics.
In 1998, she fell in love with Joachim Sauer, a professor at Humboldt University in Germany and a quantum chemist.
Some people think that Merkel may continue to return to scientific research like her husband, but Merkel made it clear in an interview with foreign media last month, "Although I often talk about the link between economic prosperity, research and innovation. , But I’m sure I won’t do any more scientific research work.”
The office is equipped with 9 employees
Berlin is still the center of life
There have been rumors that Merkel will move back to her birthplace of Hamburg after leaving office.
But she said that Berlin and Brandenburg will remain the center of her life.
According to reports, Merkel's office on Linden Avenue in Berlin will be equipped with 9 employees, including two office managers, two professional assistants, three clerks and two drivers.
In this regard, many people point out that having 9 employees is a daunting number for Merkel who wants to devote himself to the rhythm of her life.
According to the report, this means that Merkel is completely immersed in her ideal life after leaving office, which seems unrealistic.
Chengdu Commercial Daily-Red Star News reporter Fan Xu, intern reporter Ding Wen