Berlin ( CNN ) -- German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg resigned Tuesday , in the wake of claims that he had plagiarized parts of his doctoral dissertation . Guttenberg is quitting all political posts , he said , adding that he was `` taking the step that I would expect others to take . '' He said he was stepping down not only because of the dissertation , but because the issue was becoming a distraction . `` When I become the center of attention on the backs of the soldiers who I 'm responsible for , then I can not justify remaining in office , '' he said . `` Because the German army , the academic community , and the parties who back me are in danger of being damaged , I am taking the step that I would expect others to take , '' he concluded . He 'll stay in place until Chancellor Angela Merkel chooses a replacement , she said , adding she had `` accepted Karl Theodore 's resignation with a heavy heart . `` Now is not the time to speculate about a successor , '' she added . The resignation is likely to have a significant effect on Germany 's coalition government . Guttenberg , 39 , is a member of the Christian Social Union party , closely allied with Merkel 's Christian Democratic Union . Guttenberg studied law and politics in Bayreuth and Munich , according to his official biography . He had been defense minister since October 2009 .
NEW : He will stay in place until a successor is chosen , Chancellor Angela Merkel says . The resignation could affect Merkel 's government . Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg is quitting all political posts , he says . Comment: