Angela Merkel’s long innings as German Chancellor | See pics

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

Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel has steered Europe's largest economy through the global financial crisis, the refugee crisis and the coronavirus pandemic in her 16 years in office.

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.