‘You go girl’: Internet reacts to Merkel’s bid for 4th term

Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will run for a fourth term as Chancellor of Germany was met with mixed emotions. While some would be delighted to see Merkel stay in office others alleged she could lead to the demise of the country.

READ MORE: Merkel confirms she is ready to run for 4th term as chancellor in 2017

“#Germany stood up for Europ.values & offered shelter to those in desperate need. Am proud of German people for their generosity! #Merkel2017” one tweet read, alluding to Germany’s role in the Syrian refugee crisis, which saw the country take in more than one million refugees in 2015.

Support for Merkel is high, with a survey for German newspaper Bild estimating that 55 percent of Germans are supportive of her bid for a fourth term. One tweet read “#Merkel announcing she will stand for re-election is first piece of good political news this year. #Merkel2017”

President of the EU Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, showed his support for Merkel describing the announcement as “good news” in a statement.

There was plenty of opposition to Merkel too, however. “#Merkel2017 would anyone with even half a brain vote for their fool of a chancellor after her message of madness all are welcome. Get rid!!!” one tweet read.

Others accused Merkel of not knowing when to quit, tweeting “Incredible how #leaders find power so addictive they find it difficult to leave. This will end in tears!”

Others were still revelling in allegations of Russian involvement in the recent US election, tweeting that Vladimir Putin will be highly motivated to influence German elections.