In the wake of the terrorist attacks in Paris
With heads of state and government from around the world, the Chancellor and German Cabinet ministers attended the rally in Paris to demonstrate solidarity with the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris. "We stand firmly at the side of our French friends," declared Angela Merkel.
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Heads of state and government join hundreds of thousands of demonstrators in Paris
Photo: Bundesregierung/Kugler
The solidarity rally in Paris impressively demonstrates "that there are very, very many people who are willing to stand up and defend the ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity," said the Chancellor after the rally.
"We are proud to be France’s friend and to stand side by side with the people of France and wish them strength at this difficult time, after the history of our two nations."
Heads of state and government from about 50 countries joined the hundreds of thousands of marchers in Paris to demonstrate their support for liberty and to roundly condemn terrorism. They came to show their solidarity and their sympathy for the families of the victims of the attacks on the editorial office of "Charlie Hebdo" and a kosher supermarket. The Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the Federal Economics Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel accompanied the Chancellor.
Paris, 11.01.15:With Federal Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Economics Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel, Chancellor Angela Merkel flew to Paris for the rally.
French President François Hollande greets the Chancellor at the Élysée Palace.
Germany mourns the victims of the terrorist attacks with France.
Hundreds of thousands demonstrate their solidarity and condemn terrorism in the wake of the attacks on the office of the satirical magazine "Charlie Hebdo" and a Jewish supermarket.
The rally was led by the relatives of the 17 victims of last week’s attacks.
"Je suis Charlie" – I am Charlie. Signs demonstrating solidarity could be seen everywhere in Paris, not only at the rally.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and Federal Economics Affairs Minister Sigmar Gabriel arrive at the starting point for the rally in the centre of Paris.
A huge number of heads of state and government and European Union representatives were in Paris to take part in the rally.
Arm in arm, representatives of about 50 countries took a clear stance in support of liberty and condemnation of terrorism.
Signed the book of condolences
On Thursday Angela Merkel signed the book of condolences at the French Embassy in Berlin. She wrote, "Our sympathy goes to the people of France, especially the families of the victims of these barbaric attacks," wrote the Chancellor.
Germany and France will together defend the values of liberty and democracy, Angela Merkel continued. "The freedom of the press is an integral part of democratic societies. We will do everything we can to defend it," she added.
Firmly side by side with France
Last Wednesday, in a telegram of condolence to French President François Hollande, the Chancellor expressed her deepest sympathy for the families of those who lost their lives.
She was "deeply shocked by the news of the despicable attack" on the editorial office of the newspaper in Paris, Angela Merkel told François Hollande. "At this difficult time we stand side by side with our French friends," she assured.
In her letter of condolence the Chancellor expressed the profound sorrow of the people in Germany, and her own personal sympathy. She offered her most sincere condolences to the families of the victims.