Battle for Merkel’s throne intensifies

Two frontrunners with opposing visions are vying to succeed Angela Merkel as leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in a crucial vote for the future of EU’s dominant country


Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer 56 

Known as AKK, she is Merkel protege and seen as candidate of continuity

Prime minister of small state of Saarland for seven years before becoming CDU’s general secretary in February 2018

AKK belongs to liberal wing of CDU and strongly backs national minimum wage and workers’ rights. But she also espouses traditional family values and is opposed to
abortion and same-sex marriage


Friedrich Merz 63

Leader of CDU group in parliament before being pushed out by Merkel in 2002

Quit Bundestag in 2009 to work as corporate lawyer and to serve as chairman of supervisory board of German arm of U.S. hedge fund BlackRock

From conservative wing of CDU, Merz is backed by party members keen to see end to
Merkel’s politics of compromise


Jens Spahn 38

Openly gay candidate has distinguished himself as conservative critic of Merkel while serving in government as health minister

Poor showing in polls, thanks to statements about refugee policies which have polarised
popular opinion


Sources: FT, DW, Reuters 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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