German Chancellor Angela Merkel raised questions about her health at the G20 Summit but she declined to comment. Her silence regarding health concerns from the media and her co-leaders ignited talks about the severity of her shaking sagas.
A reporter asked Merkel during the conference, "Chancellor, how are you feeling?" Bloomberg reported. Germany's leader reportedly looked straight into cameras and did not give an answer.
Merkel also did not allow any questions while she gave a speech at G20. Finally, her hands made a triangular shape while world leaders were asked to have a "group" picture.
Her G20 actions have led to the question of whether there is something more serious than what Germany is trying to deny or display. Merkel is "fine," her spokesperson said, hours after Germany's leader was spotted shaking for the second time this month.
The second incident ignited concern and questions around the world regarding the health of the 64-year-old politician known for her amazing stamina. According to BBC News, Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert dismissed the concerns after Merkel's shaking incident on Thursday.
"All is going ahead as planned. The federal chancellor is fine," Seibert clarified, amid fears that Merkel may be suffering from a particular condition that the government is trying to hide from the public.
In videos of Merkel shaking in Berlin for a ceremony, the German Chancellor is seen with her hands wrapping around her body, as if trying to calm herself down. Her uncontrolled shaking went on for about two minutes before she appeared to be steady.
Following the ceremony, she shook hands with Germany's new Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht and declined a glass of water offered by staff. It is worth noting that the first incident took place when she was standing beside Ukraine's President Voldymyr.
Merkel said her shaking at that time was due to the hot weather, adding that she felt better after drinking water. Some analysts noted, though, that she was indoors and away from direct sunlight on Thursday. She has yet to comment on this week's shaking incident.
A report by The Telegraph pointed out that doctors who saw the video said Merkel's shaking may be worse than what the German Chancellor referred to as the side effects of hot weather.
Aside from potential health issues that have been the center of Merkel's activities for the last eight days, she is also faced with pressure in her home country's political circle. Some politicians within Merkel's party are reportedly unpleased with her chosen successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.
Merkel is set to step down as Germany's leader when her fourth term ends in 2021. Her reign is known as one that displayed strength amid pressure and stamina throughout sleepless nights due to government meetings.
In her 13 years in office, Merkel never had serious health issues. The videos of her shaking and trying to stay cool as she has always been has led to questions about the German Chancellor potentially pushing herself to the limit this time.
