Merkel: Merkel confirms the rumors. She won't seek re-election as CDU chair

Merkel comments

• I take responsibility for what has happened since federal election last year

• Says she won't seek any political posts following her current term that ends in 2021

• Says today is the time to open a new chapter

• Won't see re-election as chancellor in 2021

Merkel confirms the rumors. She won't seek re-election as the CDU party chair.

It's the beginning of the end of an era in German politics. She's arguably the most-successful politician anywhere since the turn of the century.