12/11/18

In Germany, the ruling Christian Democrats, or CDU, have chosen a successor to Angela Merkel for the position of party chair. While Merkel intends to continue to serve out her final term as chancellor until 2021,

the election of a new party leader signals the beginning of the end of the Merkel era. Esme Nicholson has this report.

Angela Merkel looked slightly uncomfortable yesterday while her party paid tribute to her, their leader, of more than 18 years. But as Merkel delivered her final speech as CDU chair at the party's annual conference,

the typically stoic politician was unable to hide her emotion entirely. It's time to start a new chapter.

Today, in this moment, I am overwhelmed by one single feeling - gratitude. It has been a great pleasure for me. It has been an honor. Thank you.

After enduring a standing ovation for almost 10 minutes, Merkel insisted enough was enough and that there was work to do. That work included choosing Merkel's replacement as party chair.

Following a tight leadership race between three candidates, the CDU narrowly voted in favor of the only female front-runner, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, or AKK for short.

Kramp-Karrenbauer is often dubbed somewhat disparagingly as a mini-Merkel, something she insisted yesterday she is not. I've been reading a lot about what and who I am - mini, a copy or a simple continuation.

Dear delegates, I stand before you as my own person. Over the past 18 years, I have learned what it means to lead.

Most of all, I have learned that inner strength is more important than being loud in public. Eager as she is to distance herself from her predecessor,