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Scholz Becomes Chancellor as Germany Faces Covid, Russia Risks

  • 63-year-old Social Democrat sworn in to succeed Angela Merkel
  • Former finance minister’s leadership faces immediate tests
Updated on

Olaf Scholz took over as chancellor of Germany and is under immediate pressure to tackle a brutal Covid-19 outbreak and a raft of geopolitical challenges including tensions with Russia.

The Social Democrat was sworn in on Wednesday, ending Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure and becoming the country’s ninth chancellor since World War II.