Germany's ruling CDU set to elect new leader
A digital conference of 1,001 delegates will elect the new leader of the ruling conservative CDU this weekend. The successful candidate might replace Chancellor Angela Merkel after elections this fall.
Three men on a mission: Norbert Röttgen, Armin Laschet, Friedrich Merz all want to lead the CDU
German voters go to the polls this fall in national parliamentary elections of momentous proportions. By the time the vote takes place, Chancellor Angela Merkel will likely have served 16 years in office as head of the German government.
In the many crises during her long term in office, she has been seen by many as solid as a rock — be it during what was described as the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression or the current coronavirus pandemic. Rarely has the cliché rung so true: whoever succeeds Frau Merkel will be stepping into some very big shoes.