(ANSA-AFP) - BERLIN, APR 17 - Former chancellor Angela Merkel will receive Germany's highest honour on Monday despite facing continued criticism of her legacy since leaving office, especially over her policy towards Moscow. Merkel, who led Europe's biggest economy from 2005 to 2021, is due to receive the special class Grand Cross from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday evening. The award has been handed out only twice before, to former chancellors Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl. Though hugely popular through most of her time in power, Merkel, 68, has seen her star fade since she retired in December 2021. The long-time leader has in particular faced criticism of her policy towards Russian President Vladimir Putin and for leaving Germany dependent on Russian energy -- a weakness laid bare by the war in Ukraine. (ANSA-AFP).