The stalker, reportedly aged around 40, managed to circumvent security measures at Merkel’s vacation home in the eastern Uckermark region in the state of Brandenburg, ringing her doorbell twice.

Merkel was home the first time the man came calling, while the second time only her husband was in the house, according to details reported by daily Bild and confirmed by a government spokesperson with The Local.

“Naturally security has its limits,” the spokesperson said. “It isn’t the case that the Chancellor is hermetically shielded from the public around the clock – she wants to lead a normal life. It’s always a balance.”

The man was known to authorities, having been turned away from the Chancellor’s central Berlin apartment several weekends ago.

He was taken into custody last weekend.

“He is currently in psychological treatment in the region,” the government spokesperson said.

According to Bild, the man seemed both confused and enraged that Merkel had not personally responded to letters he sent.

The case is reportedly being handled by the Neuruppin state prosecutor’s office, which refused to comment on Tuesday.

It remains unclear how the stalker managed to get onto Merkel’s fenced property near the city of Templin. The only street entrance to that house is secured by a booth manned by police around the clock, Bild reported.