Angela Merkel finally took action to stem the growing panic within her coalition government on Monday when she announced she would step down as leader of her Christian Democrat party (CDU) in December.
Mrs Merkel also announced she would stand down as chancellor – but not until 2021, when her current term end.
"I was not born chancellor," Mrs Merkel said as she announced her decision. By stepping down as CDU leader in two months, she is attempting to extend her time in power and leave in her own terms, by quieting the growing rebellion within her party.
But she may not get to choose the date of her departure. Her party will expect to fight the next elections under her successor as leader – and…
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