Candidates vying to succeed Merkel

As Angela Merkel prepares to step down after 16 years in office, her Christian Democratic Union party chooses its new leader – and possibly Germany’s new Chancellor – ahead of September’s federal election
    

Armin Laschet, 59

Popular premier of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state

Seen as front runner when he launched candidacy in February, but hesitance in dealing with coronavirus crisis has cost him some support
 
Positions himself as Merkel’s natural heir – someone who will keep CDU together and maintain centrist course


Friedrich Merz, 65

Former leader of CDU parliamentary group lost power struggle to Merkel in 2002
 
Millionaire lawyer and former chairman of BlackRock Germany, made political comeback in 2018. He is front runner, according to recent opinion poll

Vows to make CDU more conservative and win back voters who defected to far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD)


Norbert Röttgen, 55

Head of Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee

German environment minister in 2009-2012. Sacked by Merkel after losing key election in North-Rhine Westphalia in 2012
   
Once considered unlikely winner, he has upped his chances with energetic digital campaign aimed at women and younger voters, attracted to his message of renewal
  
 
Sources: FT, Reuters, BBC, Atlantic Sentinel 
Pictures: Getty Images 
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