Merkel's preparation for departure heralds turbulent times in German politics - commentators

German newspaper editorials focus on Chancellor Angela Merkel’s shock move to prepare for departure. “The Merkel era draws to a close,” comments Süddeutsche Zeitung. “The CDU’s renewal and reformation may begin […] This injects a new dynamism into German politics, because a ‘keep it up’ approach no longer works for the other parties of the coalition either,” according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. Germany “must prepare for a continuation of turbulent times […] We face the dawn of a new era,” according to the regional Westfalen-Blatt. While several commentators praise the characteristic “sober style” of Merkel’s move, others argue that it was long overdue because “the clocks stood still far too long in Germany”, according to the Mittelbayerische Zeitung.

Read a summary of newspaper commentaries in German here.

Find background in the article Merkel prepares departure in shock move at key time for climate policy.