Merkel Drops Bombshell That She Will Not Seek Re-Election

Reuters reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel told leaders of her conservatives on Monday that she will not seek re-election as party chairwoman. The decision heralds the end of a 13-year era in which she has dominated European politics.
64-year-old Merkel has been chairwoman of her conservative Christian Democrats since 2000. She has been chancellor since 2005. Party sources said Merkel wants to remain chancellor until 2021. That is when the next federal election is due.