Olaf Scholz sworn in as new German chancellor

Olaf Scholz was sworn in as Germany's chancellor on Wednesday, opening a new era for the European Union’s most populous nation and largest economy after Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure.

Scholz’s government takes office with high hopes of modernizing Germany and combating climate change but faces the immediate challenge of handling the country’s toughest phase yet of the coronavirus pandemic. Scholz was formally appointed by Germany's president, then returned to parliament to be sworn in. Lawmakers voted by 395-303 to elect Scholz as chancellor. His three-party coalition holds 416 seats in the 736-seat lower house of parliament.