German Chancellor Angela Merkel to receive Fulbright prize

In this Dec. 7, 2018 file photo Christian Democratic Union chairwoman and German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech during a party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany. AP

BERLIN — The Washington-based Fulbright Association says its 2018 prize for international understanding will go to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The organization said Tuesday it had decided to award the prestigious prize to Merkel “for her remarkable, compassionate leadership and her strong commitment to mutual understanding, international cooperation and peace.”

Merkel has been Germany’s leader since 2005 and a central figure in international diplomacy and crisis-resolution efforts in Europe and beyond. In her most controversial decision, she allowed large numbers of asylum-seekers into Germany in 2015.

She was named Time magazine’s “Person of the Year” in 2015 and earlier this month Harvard University announced she would be its commencement speaker next year.

Merkel will be given the Fulbright award at a ceremony in Berlin on Jan. 28. /ee