German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared unsteady at an event in Berlin on Thursday and was seen briefly shaking for the second time in recent weeks.

The incident took place during a farewell ceremony for outgoing Justice Minister Katarina Barley in Berlin. In a video of the event, the chancellor can be seen trembling next to German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

At one point, she was offered a glass of water but turned it down. Reporters also said she appeared fine when she arrived in the German parliament 30 minutes later.

Merkel later attended an event to swear in Germany's new justice minister, Christine Lambrecht.

"Everything is taking place as planned. The chancellor is well," government spokesman Steffen Seibert said.

The 64-year-old chancellor does not have a history of serious health issues and is traveling to Osaka, Japan, for the Group of 20 summit.

Health concerns amid heat wave

Last Tuesday, Merkel's whole body began shaking as she stood outside alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, sparking concerns about her health.

She later said she had forgotten to drink enough water during the hot weather at the time, but that she felt better after having three glasses.

Germany is currently in the grips of a heat wave that has seen scorching temperatures across the country, although the weather cooled off slightly last night in Berlin.

A similar case occurred in June 2017 during a visit to Mexico, where Merkel's legs shook while she was being received with military honors, likely due in part to the high altitude of Mexico City.

Later on Thursday, Merkel will fly to Japan for the G20 meeting before heading to Brussels for tense talks about the future leader of the European Commission.

After serving for over 13 years as chancellor, Merkel is due to step down from her post when her term ends in 2021.

rs/msh (AP, Reuters, dpa)

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