Merkel move 'poses problems for EU'

BRUSSELS - Angela Merkel's decision to quit as German chancellor in 2021 spells uncertainty and possibly paralysis for the European Union as populists rally, diplomats and analysts warn.

After her announcement on Monday, the EU is even less likely to bridge divisions on key topics like migration or eurozone reform in the coming months, they say.

"Nobody is going to listen to her anymore in Europe. She has taken herself immediately out of the game," said Sebastian Maillard, director of the Jacques Delors Institute think tank.