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With Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will stand down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union, the political career of the chancellor who became known for her staying power is drawing to a close.
Merkel has been Germany’s chancellor since 2005, but took the reins of the CDU five years before, when the party was in opposition.
As the race to replace her at the helm as leader of the party — and eventually the country — kicks off, here is a look back at Merkel’s years as chancellor and CDU chief.
Victor Brechenmacher, Hanne Cokelaere and Janosch Delcker contributed reporting.