Eros Banaj

BERLIN | A new coalition deal, a new government, a new chancellor – three German parties agreed on Wednesday to move forward with a new era even as remarkably, many looked wistfully backwards: The deal officially brings to a close Chancellor Angela Merkel‘s 16 years as the dominating leader of Europe’s most influential country. “I’m not sure what we will do without her,” said Heiko, a music student in Berlin, who calls himself a Green voter but added that he appreciated Mrs.

BERLIN —  Germany — and Europe — have been bracing for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s departure this year ever since she announced in 2018 that she would step down. With elections approaching in September, there is no small amount of speculation about who will replace the European Union’s longest-serving leader and its chief crisis manager. None of the likely candidates in Germany has anywhere near the global status and gravitas that Ms. Merkel has accumulated over her 15 eventful years in power.

BERLIN — Some raced to pick up toilet paper. Others hurried to grab Yuletide gifts and sip a last warm mulled wine at Germany’s famed Christmas markets — those that were still open. Some simply tried to get haircuts before service businesses were forced to close — again. “I didn’t make it in time,” said Katrine, 51, in Berlin, who wanted a color and trim. “[My hairdresser] was slammed.