BERLIN — German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday agreed to gradually ease virus curbs in Europe’s top economy, caving to political pressure and public discontent seven months before a general election.
After more than nine hours of talks, Merkel and Germany’s 16 regional leaders unveiled a step-by-step plan to relax restrictions after months of shutdowns, despite concern over the spread of new and more aggressive virus variants.
“Today, we can talk of hope and a transition to a new phase” in the fight against the pandemic, the veteran chancellor told a Berlin press conference.
Merkel said the loosening of restrictions, tied to strict conditions, was justified because …
Keep on reading: Bowing to pressure, Germany’s Merkel eases coronavirus curbs