ANGELA Merkel will not stand for re-election as the CDU party leader or German Chancellor, signalling the end of her 13 career at the helm of Germany, following a battering at last night’s Hesse elections.

The German leader said she “will not stand for re-election as head of CDU party” at the next party conference in December.

A German government spokesman has also confirmed Mrs Merkel will also step down as Chancellor of Germany after 2021.

Angela Merkel, 64, has been CDU chairwoman since 2000 and giving up the role will start a race within the party to succeed her as chancellor.

READ MORE: Euro PLUGES as Merkel announces she QUITS