Merkel backs partial ban on full-face veil

 German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the wearing of full-faced veils should be prohibited in the country “wherever it is legally possible”. At a meeting of her CDU party, she backed a burka ban in schools, courts and other state buildings. It is widely accepted that a total ban would violate Germany’s constitution. Mrs Merkel […]

 German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said the wearing of full-faced veils should be prohibited in the country “wherever it is legally possible”. At a meeting of her CDU party, she backed a burka ban in schools, courts and other state buildings. It is widely accepted that a total ban would violate Germany’s constitution.

Mrs Merkel was re-elected CDU leader but faces a tough challenge by the right-wing anti-immigration AfD party in next year’s polls. Mrs Merkel’s comments drew thunderous applause from her party faithful but it will dismay those who have looked to her as Europe’s defender of liberal values. German constitutional law would probably prevent the CDU from seeking a complete ban on burkas in public. Nevertheless, Mrs Merkel made her distaste for full face veils clear.