Rival seeks to replace Merkel

A ONE-TIME rival of Angela Merkel who has been absent from politics in recent years has joined the race to succeed her as the leader of Germany’s main centre-right party.

Friedrich Merz, pictured, has declared his candidacy for the leadership of Mrs Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union party, to be decided at a congress in December. Mrs Merkel is giving up the job but plans to remain chancellor. Mr Merz, 62, appeals to the conservative wing of the CDU.