Who will be ‘the new Merkel’ and the successor of the retired CDU chairman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer? An exciting succession crimi in the Federal Chancellor’s party, the outcome of which could also determine the EU’s direction.
Three names have been circulating for some time: ‘hope of the conservatives’ Friedrich Merz, the ‘Merkelgetrouwe’ Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia Armin Laschet and ‘young dog’ and Minister of Health, Jens Spahn. Today another surprising candidate applied: CDU foreign specialist Norbert Röttgen.
Criticism is not out of the air, because all men, all from West Germany. Yet there are things that distinguish them. An overview:
The first name on everyone’s lips is Friedrich Merz (64). He is seen as the man who would turn the party more to the right, and with it can get voters who have gone over to the AfD back. He has conservative values, but is economically liberal. He was once a big promise in the party, but after he was sidelined by Merkel, he left politics. As a successful businessman, he has continued to observe the CDU from the sidelines, waiting for his chance to return.
If Merz wants to win this time, he must do something about his image. He is seen as a gifted but arrogant loner. In addition, the question is whether he can convince the party members on the left flank. They see the future of the CDU in a coalition with the Greens.
From ‘colorless’ to ‘too young’
For them is Armin Laschet (58) a more logical choice. The current Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia is much more in line with Merkel’s, has so far also supported her at difficult times, such as during the refugee crisis. Just like Merkel, Laschet is pragmatic and flexible. He is seen as a bridge builder who can go through a door with almost everyone. His flexibility is also one of his disadvantages. Critics call him colorless and not very charismatic.
Laschet has a good chance as a successor to AKK, but has not yet been openly involved in the fight. Also the current Minister of Healthcare Jens Spahn (39) doesn’t shout from the rooftops that he wants to become the new Merkel. That is not necessary, because that ambition has been falling off for ages. Spahn garnered much admiration in the party. Especially because in his thirties he successfully leads a ministry and has quickly mastered complex healthcare issues.
Spahn’s age is both a curse and a blessing. He can profile himself as the candidate for renewal and as the figurehead of a young conservative movement in Germany. But it is often said that he is too young, too ambitious and that his time will come. His sexual preference is also cited as a potential stumbling block. The Bild newspaper openly wondered if Germany was modern enough for a gay Chancellor.
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