Its the end of an era as later this year, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel will step down from her position after serving the country for 15 long years and as one of the de-facto leaders of Europe, now her party has appointed a new leader.

End of an era: German Chancellor Angela Merkel prepares to step down after 15 years

Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU will choose a new leader at a special congress on April 25 as the party scrambles to prepare for the veteran German chancellor's departure.

Germany's CDU to decide on Merkel successor in April

Considered Europe's most powerful leader, Merkel's re-election bid will be welcome news after the instability from Brexit

Merkel could announce bid for fourth term this week: Conservative party