Gone before she has: Merkel commemorative teddies sell out

FILE PHOTO: German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives for the St. Michael annual reception of the German bishops in Berlin, Germany, September 27, 2021. Fabian Sommer/Pool via REUTERS

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German toymaker is producing a batch of commemorative teddy bears to mark the end of Angela Merkel's time as chancellor, and they have sold out before she has even left office.

The handmade bears come complete with their hands resting in the "Merkel rhombus", the chancellor's trademark pose with thumbs and fingers lightly bracing together that have become a symbol of her calm leadership.