Lawmakers applauding Angela Merkel, front left on balcony, in the German Parliament on Wednesday. Credit...Stefanie Loos/Associated Press.

BERLIN — When Angela Merkel became chancellor 16 years ago, George W.

When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, Ms.

Merkel left behind a career in scientific research to throw herself into politics, winning a seat in Parliament in Germany’s first reunified elections.

Merkel’s long political life appears to be coming to a close (what will follow is uncertain).

Her political career, which began in an era of hope after the Berlin Wall came down, is ending at a time of great uncertainty