“This weekend, Germany’s ruling Christian Democrat Union will convene to debate the succession of Angela Merkel, who has been at the helm of the party since April 2000, being re-elected eight times.

“Her successor will inherit a pandemic and have to direct Europe’s largest economy in an increasingly divided EU. Is Merkel ready to hand over power?

“After leading the Christian Democrat Union (CDU) for over 20 years, Merkel announced in October 2018 that she would step down to leave others contest this weekend’s election.

““I don’t believe that anything will change in international negotiations,” she said during a press conference explaining her decision, adding that she would have more time to concentrate on her tasks as head of government.”

Read more at RFI