German Chancellor Merkel’s favourite emoji is a smiley

BERLIN – German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s favourite emoji is a smiley — and on a good day it’s one with a heart.

Merkel talked about her emoji preferences Wednesday during a live interview on YouTube as part of her re-election campaign.

Germany’s general election is on Sept. 24, and Merkel is running for a fourth term.

Merkel was interviewed by four prominent German YouTubers about issues as diverse as education, electrically powered cars, migration, feminism and climate change.

YouTuber AlexiBexi, who has more than 1 million subscribers, asked Merkel about emojis. The chancellor, who is famous for sending lots of text messages to her staffers, said: “My favourite emoji is a smiley, and when it’s really good, one with a heart.”

On a bad day, Merkel said, “it’s one with a pout.”