Why did Angela Merkel remain in office as caretaker chancellor after the 2021 election?

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“Queen of Europe” — Angela Merkel Angela Merkel, the first woman to serve as chancellor of Germany, 2012.

Following the September 2021 federal election, Angela Merkel remained in office in a caretaker capacity while a new government was formed.12

After the CDU-CSU performed poorly in the election and the SPD—led by Olaf Scholz—began coalition negotiations to form a new government, it became clear that the CDU-CSU would move into opposition for the first time since 2005. During this transition period, Merkel continued to serve as chancellor until her successor was officially sworn in on December 8, 2021.12