Angela Merkel urges Germans to shun hatred as she prepares to step down

The event, which was held at the defence ministry rather than in a more public setting due to pandemic constraints, involved a parade and a brass band playing three songs of Mrs Merkel’s choice

Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, sits next to defence minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (Markus Schreiber/AP)

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Germans to stand up to hatred, at a military ceremony bidding her farewell after 16 years in office.

Mrs Merkel was honoured with a traditional military musical performance and march in front of almost all the country’s political elite, save for the far-right Alternative for Germany, who were not invited.