Awkward Angela Merkel GRIMACES at her OWN REFLECTION as carnival troupes perform in Berlin

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Angela Merkel grimaced at her own reflection as troupes arrived to perform in Berlin

The German Chancellor greeted members of the Carnival Association who had come from across the nation’s federal states ahead of their celebrations next month.

Carnival revellers performed for Merkel at the Federal Chancellery building in the German capital.

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Angela Merkel greets members of the German Carnival Association

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Angela Merkel meets revellers

Yet the German leader appeared awkward and uncomfortable with the travelling acts arriving at the executive building.

Merkel looked on as groups took it in turns to try to delight the Christian Democratic Union leader.

The 62-year-old took time out of her busy schedule to talk with a delegation from Bavaria at the annual reception, which will begin in ernest across southwest Germany next week.

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The German Chancellor met with Francois Fillion as well

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The German Chancellor looks less than impressed

The season is expected to finish with a Rose Monday parade and festivities across Germany on February 27.

The traditional festival, celebrated across Western cities, marks a period of pre-Lent celebrations which typically involves partygoers wearing costumes and masks while parading through streets across Germany.

Merkel’s chief-of-staff also met with French presidential hopeful Francois Fillon yesterday to discuss increasing military spending following the election of Donald Trump.

Fillon said: “Trump’s [inauguration speech]… should make it clear to us that the Americans are withdrawing.

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Angela Merkel laughs with one of the performers

Merkel’s chief-of-staff Peter Altmaier admitted Trump’s rousing speech had injected a sense of uncertainty among western leaders.

Mr Altmaier said: “At this point, we don’t know the ideas and initiatives of the new administration in Washington DC very well, yet. The challenge [for Europe] is… to be united.”

Merkel is seeking re-election for a forth term as Chancellor in September.

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