Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed sadness and anger at the scenes of pro-Trump rioters storming the US Capitol on Wednesday.

"A basic rule of democracy is after the election there are winners and losers," Merkel said, adding,

"I regret very much that President Trump did not admit defeat in November and again yesterday."

Merkel is one of many world leaders who condemned Wednesday's violence around the US Capitol.

She made her comments during a virtual meeting with German conservative parties this morning, saying:

"We have all seen the disturbing images of the storming of Congress. I was made angry and also sad by these images. And I'm pretty sure I feel like the vast majority of friends of the United States of America, like millions of people who admire American democratic tradition. A basic rule of democracy is after the election there are winners and losers, both have to play their role with decency and responsibility so that democracy itself remains the winner. I regret very much that President Trump did not admit defeat in November and again yesterday."

However, Merkel expressed optimism that US lawmakers went back to work and certified Joe Biden's Electoral College win, calling it "a sign of hope."

"It is also certain with the confirmation of the election victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris that the United States of America will open a new chapter of the democracy in less than two weeks, as it is supposed to happen," she added.