NEW : The resignation is likely to have a significant effect on Germany 's coalition government . He will remain in place until a successor is chosen , Chancellor Angela Merkel says . The resignation will affect Germany 's future . Karl - Theodor Freiherr von Guttenberg is quitting all political activity , he says . He is accused of copying parts of his doctoral dissertation .
NEW : He will remain in place until a successor is chosen , Chancellor Angela Merkel says . The resignation will affect Germany 's future . Karl - Theodor Freiherr von Guttenberg is quitting all political activity , he says . He is accused of copying parts of his doctoral dissertation .