Merkel's successor takes tough stance on Russia
On December 7, Ms. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer was elected Chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU) to replace Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In the vote held in Hamburg on December 7, Ms. Kramp-Karrenbauer, with the support of Chancellor Angela Merkel, current CDU Chairwoman, won 52% of the vote, surpassing Mr. Friedrich Merz, according to Reuters.
Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, was previously governor of Saarland state, leading a three-party coalition. She is known for her ability to keep the party together and cooperate with other parties, earning her the nickname "little Merkel".
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Ms. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer (left) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the meeting to elect the new leader of the CDU party in Hamburg, Germany. Photo: Reuters. |
"I have read many articles about myself, such as a mini version, a clone, or simply a lookalike. Ladies and gentlemen, I am who I am, what life has made me, and I am proud of that," Ms. Kramp-Karrenbauer told the National Assembly.
"I learned about leadership. Above all, I learned that leadership requires inner strength rather than external noise," she added, as the crowd applauded. She also thanked her rivals and invited them to the stage to show unity within the party.
Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer has differing views on social and foreign policy from Ms Merkel, advocating limits on women on corporate boards and a tougher stance on Russia. She has argued that Europe and the US should consider a blockade of Russian ships over the crisis in Ukraine, and has taken a more cautious view of Europe’s future.
But when asked what to expect from the CDU in the future, Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer replied: "I don't have a general formula", an approach that is said to be similar to Chancellor Merkel, who always carefully considers all aspects before making a decision.
"I am absolutely convinced that with Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer the CDU has a very good chance of winning a general election," said Economy Minister Peter Altmaier, a Merkel ally. Altmaier also said the 56-year-old would be the most dangerous candidate for the Social Democrats and the Greens.
Merkel said in October she would step down as leader of the CDU party but remain chancellor until 2021, when her term ends. This was seen as an attempt to “clear the way out” after a series of setbacks since she decided to open the borders to refugees from the Middle East in 2015.