Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer Succeeds Angela Merkel As German CDU Leader

Reuters: Merkel protege Kramp-Karrenbauer succeeds her as German CDU leader

HAMBURG (Reuters) - Germany’s Christian Democrats elected Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer on Friday to replace Angela Merkel as party leader, a decision that moves her into pole position to succeed Europe’s most influential leader as chancellor.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, is Merkel’s protege and was the continuity candidate favored by the party elite. She won the leadership with 517 votes out of 999 votes cast by delegates. Her rival, Friedrich Merz, won 482 votes in a run-off.

A former state premier in Saarland, where she led a three-way coalition, Kramp-Karrenbauer has a reputation for uniting support across the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and a talent for striking alliances with other parties.

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WNU Editor: The media is saying that this unifies the CDU. Hmmm .... I am not sure. The vote was close. 517 for Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 482 for her opponent. She is also going to continue the policies of Chancellor Merkel, the same policies that were repudiated in the last election.

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