German Politics: Angela Merkel plans to step down as Chancellor in 2021

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Europe

02:21

Shifting to Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to step down from her party's leadership, and as Chancellor, in 2021. It will be an end of a political era in German and European politics. The decision comes as her party and its coalition allies have had poor showings in recent local elections. CGTN's Ira Spitzer reports from Berlin.

Thirteen years. That's how long Angela Merkel has led Europe's largest economy, going from fresh-faced politician to global stateswoman. But this year, voters turned away in droves from her conservative party and she says she's ready to take responsibility for that.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "Firstly, at the next CDU party congress in December in Hamburg, I will not put myself forward again as candidate for the CDU chair. Secondly, this fourth term is my last as German Chancellor."

Her plan to serve out her fourth term until 2021- while not leading the party - sets-up an unusual situation in German politics. Her governing coalition is already on shaky ground as a result of infighting and big electoral gains by the far-right AfD and center-left Green Party.

MATTHEW KARNITSCHNIG CHIEF EUROPE CORRESPONDENT, POLITICO "I think this is really the question of the day is how long can Merkel's government survive and if it does survive whether she will be able to remain chancellor."

Her future may also depend on whether her party chooses an ally or a critic to replace her. Many fellow conservatives have long complained about her decision to open the borders to refugees in 2015.

IRA SPITZER BERLIN "Merkel's planned departure is likely to impact Germany's foreign policy, with the country's future direction uncertain at this point."

That uncertainty could also add to a delay in Europe's reform plans.

MATTHEW KARNITSCHNIG CHIEF EUROPE CORRESPONDENT, POLITICO "Germany's influence overall in the EU will be somewhat diminished because you have this government now where it's not really clear how long it's going to be in power."

The veteran politician could still be considered the best option for the conservatives in the short-term. But it's clear that changes are coming in Germany. Ira Spitzer, CGTN, Berlin.