Merkel Coronavirus Meeting Canceled as State Breaks Ranks
- Thuringia draws criticism for plans to abandon restrictions
- Merkel’s crisis coordination under pressure after decision
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Photographer: Odd Andersen/AFP via Getty Images
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A cabinet-level meeting under Chancellor Angela Merkel to tackle the pandemic was canceled on Monday amid political jostling after an eastern German state broke ranks with its plans to lift lockdown measures.
Merkel’s crisis management of Germany’s 16 states came under renewed pressure after the premier of the eastern state of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, floated plans to abandon restrictions after June 5 and rely on local authorities and individuals to maintain hygiene requirements. A minister in Saxony said the eastern state may follow suit.