Armin Laschet elected head of Merkel's CDU party | DW News

Germany's governing CDU party has chosen Armin Laschet as its new party leader. Party members elected Laschet in an online convention. He is now in a strong position to become the Christian conservatives' candidate in general elections held later this year, since Chancellor Angela Merkel has said she would not run again. The 59 year-old beat rivals Friedrich Merz and Norbert Röttgen to the top spot. Laschet is state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany's most populous state. He is considered a moderate, and has vowed to continue Merkel's policy of keeping the CDU in the political center. Laschet replaces Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who took over the party leadership from Merkel in 2018.

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[YustinJ]

When she said "Annegret Kramp Karrenbauer" I really felt that

[abhigyanbg]

As long as he has never failed art school, I'm satisfied.

[charlesmendeley]

When they wrote "Who is Armin Laschet?" I thought: we Germans don't know either.

[danialbaltabai]

Although I live in Kazakhstan, I’ve heard the echoes of Merz saying bruh

[constantinandro]

Although I didn't liked how Laschet handled the pandemic in NRW, he was too hesitant at the beginning, i admit he is the best in comparison with the alternative, he seems more human and less crazy.

[WillstDuMichFlachsen]

I am from Germany and I detest it not being able to comment under German news channels who report about him

[myretail]

This is what peaceful transition of power looks like. Respect!

[jojospice]

Successfully avoided Friedrich Merz. Mr. Merz ist always compared with Montgomery Burns.

[wenling]

Seems another mature leadership from Germany. Good luck

[amarone]

That one is a disaster. No empathy. Caught laughing at a presser about the victims of the general flooding. Karma is watching

[AdamHiley-pjzn]

Is the chancellor head of state in Germany I have always admired German efficiency and being stable, before anyone starts I am not interfering

[alialghail]

A very good luck to Germany and to Armin. The whole world has a great love for Germany because of Merkle so please continue driving that train of love and respect.

[tunto]

Congratulations. We the Turks are very happy of him becoming a leader of CDU, and we are going to support him unconditionally. This country has a flawlessly working system which pushes her among top countries.Thank you for giving so many great opportunities Germany. <3

[markuslandsiedel]

Maaßen for Bundeskanzler. Lasst Lascher das Weichei fahren .

[diegoyuiop]

Is he the more "moderate" of the three? I mean, Merz seemed more on the right and the other one more on the left. Am I wrong?

[MFHercules]

The CDU of today has a faible for uncharismatic leaders.

[Jindujun]

Positve outcome to be honest. Merz would have been a disaster.

[geisterfahreruberholer]

What is it with DW to mispronounce German names wrong?!
Heck, it is a German channel. No need for americanization.

Like I would say Macron or Trump in German...

[anmakadi]

God? Where are you? We need help against corruption!

[Blackelite]

Sidefact, when he was a teacher he faked marks from his students. In Germany you will get promoted if you are criminal