Centre-left leader Olaf Scholz sworn in as German chancellor

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz holds his letter of appointment presented by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (Michael Sohn/AP)

Centre-left leader Olaf Scholz has become Germany’s new chancellor, opening a new era for the European Union’s most populous nation after Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure.

Mr Scholz’s government takes office with high hopes of modernising Germany and combating climate change but faces the immediate challenge of handling the country’s toughest phase yet of the coronavirus pandemic.