Angela Merkel, Germany's 'eternal' chancellor, prepares to leave the stage after 16 years

Angela Merkel, dubbed as Germany's "eternal" chancellor, is all prepared to leave the stage after staying in power for 16 years.

She was called "the leader of the free world" as authoritarian populists were on the march in Europe and the United States, but Angela Merkel is wrapping up a historic 16 years in power with an uncertain legacy at home and abroad.

In office so long she was dubbed Germany's "eternal chancellor", Merkel, 67, leaves with her popularity so resilient she would likely have won a record fifth term had she sought it.