Professor Matthew Qvortrup is author of "Angela Merkel: Europe's Most Influential Leader," published by Duckworth. The opinions in this article belong to the author.

(CNN) In her own words, it was a day for "deep reflection." Angela Merkel was nothing if not diplomatic when she met the press early on Monday morning after her coalition negotiations had broken down with the Free Democrats and the Greens.

And "reflection" there will be. But not just in the Kanzleramt -- the Chancellery of the German capital.

While talk of the demise of Angela Merkel is exaggerated , her focus is turning inward and the end of the Merkel era -- one way or another -- is slowly approaching. She is certainly not as strong as she once was.

It is too early to speculate what will happen in Germany -- if there will be a minority government or new elections.

But whatever the outcome, the crisis in Germany will have implications in the rest of Europe.

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