‘Mini-merkel’ sways coalition vote

ANGELA MERKEL saw off a rebellion yesterday as her Christian Democrat (CDU) party conference voted in favour of a new coalition government.

But for once the veteran German chancellor was overshadowed as her chosen successor emerged as the new darling of the party.

Annegret Kramp-karrenbauer, popularly known as “mini-merkel” was elected party chairman with a party record 98 per cent of the votes. Her conference speech was given a rapturous reception by delegates, the applause louder and more enthusiastic than for Mrs Merkel, and it felt like the coronation of a party leader in waiting.

Mrs Merkel’s decision to promote the party’s next generation and bring them into her cabinet to see off an incipient rebellion appeared to pay off.

As recently as a week ago there was growing discontent in the party over the concessions she made to secure a new coalition deal with the Social Democrats (SPD). But yesterday a simple show of hands was enough to secure the party’s agreement, with more than 97 per cent of delegates voting in favour.

Mrs Merkel promoted several younger figures to the cabinet, including Jens Spahn, who she named as health minister. But it was her decision to propose Ms Kramp-karrenbauer as chairman, widely seen as anointing the 55-year-old as her successor, that appeared to sway delegates the most.

The coalition deal still has to be approved by the SPD in a postal vote, with the results expected at the weekend.