Merkel takes the fall, leaving Europe without a leader

At what is a critical juncture for Europe, its natural leader has been dealt a heavy blow, shaking the structure to its core. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will try to stay in office for the length of her term, but faces an uphill battle. A

fter taking responsibility for the center-right's significant losses in recent elections in the federal states of Bavaria and Hesse, the chances of her actually completing her tenure are uncertain, and the same goes for the Grand Coalition she heads.

The 64-year-old German leader, who has already served as chancellor for 13 years, announced that she will not be seeking a new term and will step down from the presidency of the Christian Democrats - decisions that point to a loss of political power.

Just a few months ago she had said that the two positions go together, safeguarding the government's stability. She seems to have...