Angela Merkel has announced her time as Germany's chancellor will soon come to an end.
It's a decision brought on by domestic political circumstances, but Ms Merkel's decision, and legacy, will have repercussions both within Germany and beyond the country's borders.
It's the beginning of the end of an era in German politics.
After 18 years as leader of her party, the conservative Christian Democratic Union, and 13 years as leader of her country, Angela Merkel's time will soon be no more.
The trigger for Ms Merkel's decision appears to have been the poor performance of her government in two recent state elections.
The government, which presently consists of a so-called grand coalition between the Christian Democratic Union, its affiliate in Bavaria, the Christian Social Union, and the centre-left Social Democrats, has become notorious for infighting.
Ms Merkel says she realises it is time for her to move on and hopes this will end that infighting.
