Emotional Merkel, marking German reunification, calls for tolerance

Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks at a ceremony as part of the 31st anniversary of Germany's Unification Day, in the city of Halle, Germany, October 3, 2021. Jan Woitas/Pool via REUTERS

HALLE, Germany (Reuters) - Angela Merkel urged Germans on Sunday to forge a common future that draws on their diverse backgrounds, harking back to the 2015 decision to admit 1 million refugees that was a defining moment of her long chancellorship.

Merkel appeared close to tears during an address to mark the 31st anniversary of reunification that may be the last before she steps down, although talks to build a new ruling coalition following last month's election could take months.