Merkel Will Take an Active Role in Choosing Her Next Successor
- German leader plans to play a role in selecting CDU candidate
- AKK has decided to step down and not run for chancellor
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Angela Merkel inserted herself into the selection of her Christian Democratic party’s next chancellor candidate after her former protege unexpectedly threw in the towel, leaving the race to lead Europe’s largest economy wide open.
The long-time German leader said she will “cooperate very well” with Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who stepped down as party chief on Monday after a series of gaffes capped by her inability to reel in a rogue state chapter. With the party divided and rudderless, Merkel made clear that she intended to play a direct role in choosing her potential successor.