Angela Merkel relieved of duties after 16 years: Steinmeier says ‘one of greatest periods in Germany’s modern history’

The President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier has officially relieved Angela Merkel of her duties as the country’s vice chancellor.

According to media reports, Angela Merkel has left the role on Tuesday she has held for nearly 16 years. The country has heaped praise on the outgoing leader as she formally left office after over a decade. Markel was the second-longest serving Chancellor in German history.

According to a number of German media outlets, Merkel will still effectively remain at the helm until a new government is formed and the coalition talks could well continue into December.

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The German President did not stint on praise during the official ceremony at Bellevue Palace in Berlin. He described Merkel’s time in power as one of the greatest periods in modern German history. He said that it is thanks to Merkel that Europe did not break up.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier further stated that Merkel’s time in power was defining for the image of Germany in the world and for a whole generation of young Germans. He acknowledged, though, that Merkel’s tenure was marked by numerous crises and challenges.