Angela Merkel received rapturous applause from her Christian Democrats on Friday, after delivering an emotional speech marking the end of 18 years as party leader in which she said she had been honoured to serve them. Merkel, 64, fought back tears as CDU delegates gave her a 10-minute standing ovation accompanied by cheers and cries of “Danke Angie”. The result of the vote for Merkel’s successor saw Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer elected following a nail-biting contest and the first open CDU leadership race in almost 50 years. Merkel will have to work closely with the next CDU head, who could attempt to undermine her and could also potentially oust her as leader. It marks the first time since 1971 that the party has been able to vote for a new leader.

Source: The Guardian December 07, 2018 08:47 UTC