Merkel will seek a fourth term, faces anti-immigrant populist tide

Angela Merkel, who has steered Germany through several global crises as its first female leader, said on Sunday she will seek a fourth term as chancellor in elections next year, when she could find herself up against the anti-immigrant populist tide that has swept both Europe and the United States.

"I literally thought about this decision endlessly,... but I am ready to run for office again," Merkel told reporters after meeting with high-ranking members of her center-right party. "I want to serve Germany."

The 62-year-old has repeatedly been named "the world's most powerful woman" by Forbes magazine.