Merkel’s ally is new party leader

HAMBURG: Angela Merkel’s centre-right party elected an ally of the longtime German chancellor as its new leader, opting for continuity and experience as it handed her the challenge of opening a new chapter and improving the party’s electoral fortunes.

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, defeated one-time Merkel rival Friedrich Merz to become the Christian Democratic Union’s new chairwoman. The vote came hours after the party feted Merkel with a lengthy standing ovation as she wrapped up 18 years at the helm.

Merkel has said she plans to remain chancellor until Germany’s next election, which is due in 2021 but could come earlier.

Kramp-Karrenbauer, the CDU general secretary since February and previously a popular state governor, is now the favourite to run for chancellor in that vote.

That isn’t automatic, but all but two of Kramp-Karrenbauer’s seven predecessors as CDU leader became chancellor.

She was quick to call for party unity after defeating Merz 517-482 on Friday, saying “there is a place for in this party”.