Explainer-What are the main issues in Germany's federal election?

FILE PHOTO: The German flag is seen outside Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament. in Berlin, Germany, March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) - The manifestos presented by the parties vying to form Germany's next government set out very different visions for the future of the country, and Europe, after September's federal election.

At stake is the direction that Germany, Europe's largest economy, will take after Angela Merkel's departure as chancellor. In power since 2005, she plans to stand down after the Sept. 26 election.