Merkel shares her glass of water with a thirsty boy, and the video goes viral

Sometimes it's the tiniest moments that win the internet. A thirsty boy, a glass of water and a former chancellor: that's all it took.

What happened?

Angela Merkel, 72, took part in a public signing session at the Bode Museum in Berlin. Together with artist Jérémie Queyras, she signed postcards showing her portrait.

The turnout was huge. According to regional broadcaster RBB, around 450 people queued for an autograph, with the line stretching all the way out to the museum entrance.

In a video, young Joseph Williams, probably parched after all that waiting, asks Merkel for water. "Do you want to drink from my glass?" she replies, and hands it to him.

Why is everyone talking about it?

The clip has been viewed more than a million times. Joseph's mother posted it with a short caption: "A kind gesture from Mrs Merkel. My son was thirsty and wanted to drink her water. Without hesitation, she gave it to him. Afterwards, the two chatted so nicely."

It fits the picture, too: few politicians still in office can match Merkel's current popularity ratings.

What's next for the portrait?

The signing session was also meant to promote Queyras's portrait of Merkel. Because so many people wanted to see it, the exhibition at the Bode Museum has been extended until 3 January 2027.

After that, the painting will move permanently into the Chancellors' Gallery at the Federal Chancellery, the government's headquarters in Berlin.