Angela Merkel puts Trump on notice over discriminatory policies
Angela Merkel has warned US President-elect Donald Trump to respect freedom from discrimination, in her statement on his victory.
Following the victory of the billionaire reality TV star, leaders from around the world – many of whom have been critical of Trump in the past – rushed to congratulate him on his victory.
However, in her statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel broke with convention to issue an apparent warning to President-elect Trump, laying out the terms of his relationship with Germany.
She said: “Germany and America are connected by values of democracy, freedom and respect for the law and the dignity of man, independent of origin, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political views.
“I offer the next President of the United States close cooperation on the basis of these values.”
The comments are a clear indication of her opposition to the tone of Trump’s campaign.
Her statement stands in contrast to that of UK Prime Minister Theresa May, who issued a much warmer welcome to President-elect Trump.
May said: “I would like to congratulate Donald Trump on being elected the next president of the United States, following a hard-fought campaign.
“Britain and the United States have an enduring and special relationship based on the values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.
“We are, and will remain, strong and close partners on trade, security and defence.
“I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, building on these ties to ensure the security and prosperity of our nations in the years ahead.”
Merkel herself has come under fire on LGBT equality previously, as her coalition government has failed to support equal marriage. Officials claim they are unable to pursue reform on the issue due to the strict coalition agreement.
However, the leader has overseen other reforms, strengthening protections for same-sex couples and issuing compensation to men with historic gay sex offences.
