Merkel Rejects UN Job Offer

The former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), Angela Merkel (2005 – 2021), has declined an offer from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to become a high-level advisor at the organization. This was reported on January 19 by the DPA agency, citing the former chancellor's office.

Merkel had a phone conversation with the Secretary-General regarding the position, expressing her gratitude but stating that she would not accept the offer, according to her office. Earlier, German media had reported on Guterres' proposal.

Merkel served as chancellor for 16 years. In 2018, she announced that she would not run for a fifth term. In 2021, she was succeeded in the chancellorship by the Social Democrat Olaf Scholz. The former chancellor has repeatedly stated that she does not intend to hold political positions after her departure from office, as reported by TASS.