Merkel decorated with highest German honour amid reflection on tenure

German's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier awards former Chancellor Angela Merkel of the country's highest Order of Merit or "Grosskreuz des Verdienstordens der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in besonderer Ausfuehrung" during a Ceremony in Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany April 17, 2023. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's former chancellor Angela Merkel was awarded the country's highest possible honour on Monday amid reflection on her 16-year tenure at the helm of Europe's biggest economy.

The first female leader of Germany, who stepped down in December 2021, was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit for special achievement by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a ceremony in Schloss Bellevue, Berlin.