Merkel hands over to Scholz as German chancellor

Social Democrat Olaf Scholz was sworn in as German chancellor on Wednesday

It ended Angela Merkel's 16 years of conservative rule and paved the way for his coalition government that has promised to boost green investment and strengthen European unity.

Over the past four years, Scholz served as vice chancellor and finance minister in coalition with Merkel

Later he took the oath of office in front of lawmakers and became Germany's ninth chancellor since the end of World War Two.

Scholz swore to devote his energies to the welfare of the German people - but he did not ask for God's help, a phrase that is usually included in the oath of office and was spoken by Merkel.

In a short speech, Scholz hailed Merkel as a great chancellor and thanked her for a close and trustful relationship over the past years.