Throughout most of the major events of this ever-changing, ever-twisting and turning century, there has been one constant: Angela Merkel, a calming, pragmatic presence amidst the chaos.

For 16 years, she has not just been the consensus building chancellor of Germany, but the conscience of Europe.

Yet she will not be standing for a fifth successive term in September, leaving her party and her country at a loss.

Our Europe Editor, Matt Frei, explains how Merkel became the powerful presence she is today, someone uniquely qualified for the role: a unifier, a pragmatist, the most talented politician of her generation.