Some commentators are praising her, saying yesterday's decision to let prosecutors and courts decide whether comedian Jan Boehmermann insulted a foreign head of state will highlight the independence of Germany's judicial system.
Others voiced sharp criticism today, saying Merkel appeared to be kowtowing before Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan because she needs his help to stop further migrants coming to Europe.
The head of ZDF television, where Boehermann's poem was aired two weeks ago, said the public broadcaster would support the comic "all the way."