German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) holds a frame with a baton she was given by Volker Bouffier (R) and Klaus Schueler (L) representing CDU members during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - The original baton is signed by US conductor of Japanese origin Kent Nagano and was used by him as he conducted Beethoven's 9th symphony at the Elbphilharmonie venue during the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg. Nagano's dedication reads: "In my greatest reverence for Angela Merkel, the most important conductor of world politics". German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier gesture on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) holds a frame with a baton she was given by Volker Bouffier (R) and Klaus Schueler (L) representing CDU members during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - The original baton is signed by US conductor of Japanese origin Kent Nagano and was used by him as he conducted Beethoven's 9th symphony at the Elbphilharmonie venue during the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg. Nagano's dedication reads: "In my greatest reverence for Angela Merkel, the most important conductor of world politics". German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) holds a frame with a baton she was given by Volker Bouffier (R) and Klaus Schueler (L) representing CDU members during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - The original baton is signed by US conductor of Japanese origin Kent Nagano and was used by him as he conducted Beethoven's 9th symphony at the Elbphilharmonie venue during the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg. Nagano's dedication reads: "In my greatest reverence for Angela Merkel, the most important conductor of world politics". German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel reads a dedication of a baton in a frame held by Klaus Schueler representing CDU members during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - The original baton is signed by US conductor of Japanese origin Kent Nagano and was used by him as he conducted Beethoven's 9th symphony at the Elbphilharmonie venue during the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg. Nagano's dedication reads: "In my greatest reverence for Angela Merkel, the most important conductor of world politics". German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier talk on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel leaves the stage in front of a huge CDU logo after her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is seen on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is seen on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Christian Democratic Union, CDU, chairwoman and German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her speech during a party convention of the Christian Democratic Party CDU in Hamburg, Germany, Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. 1001 delegates are electing a successor of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who doesn't run for party chairmanship after more than 18 years at the helm of the party. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

(R-L) German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel, the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and German Health Minister and CDU politician Jens Spahn take their seats for a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel arrives on the podium at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel arrives on the podium at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel sits on the podium at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) and his wife Charlotte arrive at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) talks with the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) and his wife Charlotte greet a delegate se they arrive at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) talks with the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer takes her seat at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves as she arrives at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) talks with the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

A delegate takes a picture with his smartphone of the top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (L) and other party members at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) shakes hands with the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

A gingerbread heart with the logo of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party is seen during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) arrives for a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel arrives on stage at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Gingerbread hearts are decorated with the letterings (L-R) Huawei, Fuer Dich (for you) and CDU during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel sits on stage at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel stands on stage at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) talks with the Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer at the beginning of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Delegates hold placards reading "Thanks boss, for 18 years of good offices", meaning the German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) t the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel sits on stage at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

A delegate takes a picture with his smartphone of the top candidate for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (L) and other party members at the start of a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel arrives to give a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel arrives to give a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (2nd R) is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (2nd R) is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel smiles after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel leaves the podium after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is applauded after she gave a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany (L Daniel Guenther, R Volker Bouffier). - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel cheers after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel delivers her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) is applauded bu Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (L) and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier after her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) is applauded bu Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (L) and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier after her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel sdelivers her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) holds a frame with a baton she was given by Volker Bouffier (R) and Klaus Schueler (L) representing CDU members during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - The original baton is signed by US conductor of Japanese origin Kent Nagano and was used by him as he conducted Beethoven's 9th symphony at the Elbphilharmonie venue during the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel looks at a remembrance video about herself at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Delegates hold placards reading "Thanks boss, for 18 years of good offices", meaning the German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier embraces German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel to thank her on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier embraces German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel to thank her on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier talk on stage during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel and Hesse's State Premier and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Volker Bouffier talk on stage underneath a giant photo of Angela Merkel during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is seen on stage as she attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Delegates cheer and hold placards reading "Thanks boss, for 18 years of good offices", after the German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (on stage) held her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (L) is acknowledged by delegate Annette Widmann-Mauz, leader of the CDU's women's organisation "Frauen-Union", after her speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) looks at applauding Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Schleswig-Holstein's State Premier (CDU) Daniel Guenther (back R) at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

TOPSHOT - German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (R) arrives for a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

TOPSHOT - German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves after delivering her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (L) is acknowledged by delegate Annette Widmann-Mauz, leader of the CDU's women's organisation "Frauen-Union", after her speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (L) is acknowledged by delegate Annette Widmann-Mauz, leader of the CDU's women's organisation "Frauen-Union", after her speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel leaves the stage in front of a huge CDU logo after her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel leaves the stage in front of a huge CDU logo after her speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel waves to delegates during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel gives a speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel is acknowledged by German Agriculture Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Julia Kloeckner after her speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel (C) gets a basket of goodies from German Agriculture Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Julia Kloeckner (2nd R) after her speech during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

German Agriculture Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Julia Kloeckner (2nd L) holds a 20-euros banknote as CDU Secretary General Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (L) and Hesse's State Premier and CDU Deputy Chairman Volker Bouffier (R) look on during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has taken her new seat next to CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader Ralph Brinkhaus after she ended her leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) during a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Delegates vote behing portable cardboard voting cabins during a congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

A delegate votes behing portable cardboard voting cabin during a congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Delegates vote behing portable cardboard voting cabins during a congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

Delegates vote behing portable cardboard voting cabins during a congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and candidate for the party's leadership Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer gives a speech during a party congress to determine German chancellor's successor on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Oe of the top candidates for the CDU party's leadership and former CDU parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz (C) and on the screens delivers a speech at a party congress of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party on December 7, 2018 at a fair hall in Hamburg, northern Germany. - German Chancellor Angela Merkel will hand off leadership of her party after nearly two decades at the helm, with the race wide open between a loyal deputy and a longtime rival. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)