ANGELA Merkel’s announcement that she is stepping down as CDU party leader was “too little, too late”, according to European Studies Professor Stephen Auer, who also “very much doubts” she will last as Chancellor until 2021.
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| EU news: the professor "doubts" Mrs Merkel will last until 2021 |
Angela Merkel’s exit came “too little too late” and she has become a “liability”, argued a European Studies Professor.
Stephen Auer from Hong Kong University said: “Well it might work for Merkel, but I personally believe that it’s probably too little, too late.
“Merkel has been intensely disliked by a significant proportion of the German electorate.
“So until very recently she was celebrating as the leader of the west, as the most powerful leader that Germany has had for a long time.
“But the opposition towards her migration policies domestically within Germany, the opposition to her eurozone rescue policies outside of Germany has contributed to the division in Europe and division in Germany.
“So for those reasons she has indeed become a liability.”
He added: “The problem is that whoever dared to criticise Merkel was seen as an extreme right populist, so even any signs of opposition from within her party seemed impossible.
“So for that reason I think it is a smart move because it allows a renewal of the party from within, but whether she can last until 2021 I very much doubt.”
Angela Merkel said she “will not stand for re-election as head of CDU party" at the next party conference in December.
The German leader also confirmed she will also step down as Chancellor of Germany after 2021.
Mrs Merkel also ruled out running for a senior position in the European Union after a European parliament election next year.
Speaking following the announcement, Mrs Merkel described the numbers in Hesse as "disappointing" and "bitter", adding she would take "full responsibility" for the disastrous results.
Mrs Merkel also conceded that the German coalition government had lost credibility and needed to "turn a new page".
She said: "The people in the country, and just now in Hesse, see us and also me personally as those who already carry the responsibility.
"The CDU wasn't able to sufficiently convince the citizens. I am in no way blaming the voters. No, the opposite is true, I'm thanking those who still trust us.
"I have the firm feeling that today the time has come to open a new chapter."
"Firstly, at the next CDU party congress in December in Hamburg, I will not put myself forward again as candidate for the CDU chair."
“Secondly, this fourth term is my last as German Chancellor. At the federal election in 2021, I will not stand again as Chancellor candidate, nor as a candidate for the Bundestag, and I won't seek any further political offices."
Angela Merkel, 64, has been CDU chairwoman since 2000 and giving up the role will start a race within the party to succeed her as chancellor.
Mrs Merkel has been at the helm of Germany for 13 years after becoming the German chancellor in 2005.
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