Rallying Around or Keeping Distance?

Abstract This article centers on former Chancellor Angela Merkel's major standalone televised address to the nation—her coronavirus speech during the initial phase of the covid -19 pandemic—and reactions to it in mainstream German newspapers and among social media users. Employing a case study approach, we investigate the communicative means used by Merkel to generate unity and appeal to people's solidarity, the ways in which the mainstream press echoed or challenged aspects of her speech, and how social media users engaged with the speech online. Merkel's address demonstrates strong persuasive potential that is reflected in public opinion (via high approval ratings), fairly balanced coverage in established newspapers, and generally supportive reactions among most social media users. In contrast, those with links to the Alternative for Germany (AfD) on social media used a considerably more negative tone to voice their opinions, often revealing their outright antipathy toward Merkel rather than criticizing pandemic-related policy measures. Implications for political elites’ crisis communication are discussed during times of increased uncertainty and against the backdrop of the rise of the far right.