After the vote, the Federal President Horst Köhler presented the Chancellor with her certificate of appointment at Bellevue Palace. She was then sworn in before the German Bundestag.  

Angela Merkel elected to take the religious form of the oath, the wording of which reads, “I swear that I will dedicate my efforts to the well-being of the German people, promote their welfare, protect them from harm, uphold and defend the Basic Law and the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, perform my duties conscientiously and do justice to all. So help me God.”

Ministers appointed

At two o’clock this afternoon the new Cabinet Ministers too will receive their certificates of appointment from the Federal President. Around three o’clock they will then be sworn in, completing the process of forming a new government.

The fist Cabinet meeting is scheduled for half past four this afternoon.