ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Opinion

Merkel era ends with a whimper, not a bang

Germany's departing chancellor leaves a vacuum on world stage

| Europe
History may not be quite so kind to Merkel.   © Sipa/AP

Lionel Barber is former editor of the Financial Times. He is author of "The Powerful and the Damned: Private Diaries in Turbulent Times."

Angela Merkel, Germany's chancellor, has been a permanent fixture on the international stage for the past 16 years, a steadying presence in times of crisis. Her decision to step down after the Sept. 26 general election leaves a vacuum in Germany and Europe that will not be filled easily.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more