She was the first female chancellor for the country.
Angela Merkel's 16-year reign as German leader, ends this morning.
Ms Merkel, 67, Germany's first woman chancellor, is retiring from politics after four consecutive terms, and has stepped aside of her own accord.
She was a member of conservative Christian Democrats, and has chosen to end her political career after leading the country for 5,860 days.
Vice chancellor and finance minister Olaf Scholz has been confirmed as her successor by the country's Parliament.
Merkel was immensely popular during her time, with large majorities of Germans approving of her leadership.
Despite being from a rival party, Mr Scholz tapped into that well of popular support in his bid to succeed her.
He's a member of the centre-left Social Democratic Party, and will be Germany's ninth post-war chancellor.
Sallins Man Onboard Gaza Flotilla Speaks Out As At Least Seven Irish Citizens Detained By Israel
"A Lot Of People Got Beaten Badly": Sallins Man Gives Update After Last Month's Intercepted Gaza Flotilla
Starmer Under Pressure Following Rumours Of Health Secretary Resignation Later Today
Eurovision Song Contest Begins Tonight As Ireland And Other Countries Boycott
WHO Expects More Hantavirus Cases Among The Cruise Ship Passengers
Two Irish Passengers On Virus-Stricken Cruise Ship Now In Care Of HSE
Musical Stars Announced for 2026 World Cup Opening
Irish Citizens On Virus-Stricken Ship "Safe And Well", As Protests Break Out In Tenerife
