On November 11 Angela Merkel joined world leaders to mark the centenary of the end of World War I. Unlike them, however, for Merkel this historic moment has been juxtaposed with another political milestone – her announcement that her fourth term as German chancellor will be her last. The news is not just important for German domestic politics, but also Europe and the world at large. For she has become for many, after almost a decade and a half in office, the embodiment of the western liberal order that is under such significant stress right now.

In this context, the symbolism of her leaving office will be striking, especially if Trump were to win re-election in 2020.

Taken overall, Merkel has become a weaker figure on the global stage, and could yet fall from power in Germany in 2019. Yet, she remains one of Europe’s political big beasts and her influence on key international decisions, from Ukraine to reform of the EU, will continue to be felt while she remains in office, possibly till 2021.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/toi-edit-page/why-world-must-learn-to-live-without-angela-merkel-continental-europes-most-important-leader-in-the-last-decade/