MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th October, 2018) French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday praised German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her decision not to stand for re-election in 2021.
Earlier in the day, Merkel said she would not participate in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leadership contest in December and would step down as Federal chancellor in 2021. Merkel said the decision was made in summer.
"It is her decision, and I think it deserves respect," Macron said in Paris at a joint press conference with the visiting Ethiopian prime minister.
Macron described the chancellor's 13-year-rule as "very courageous" and applauded her commitment to European values.
