Merkel Bows to Public Pressure and Backs Easing of Lockdown
- Chancellor, state leaders to discuss latest measures Wednesday
- Draft paper foresees easing of some curbs on private meetings
A protective face mask sign in Romerberg Square in Frankfurt.
Photographer: Alex Kraus/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Chancellor Angela Merkel backed a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions despite a stubbornly high infection rate, acknowledging that many Germans are weary of curbs on daily life after months of lockdown.
The German leader had been pushing back against increasingly insistent calls for a swifter loosening, but told lawmakers from her conservative bloc Tuesday that “easing is necessary,” according to a person familiar with the discussion.