BERLIN, December 17 (Reuters) – The German Christian Democrats elected Friedrich Merz as their leader on Friday to succeed Armin Laschet, who had taken responsibility for their crushing defeat in the September 26 parliamentary elections against the Social Democrats of Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Ultra-conservative Merz has vowed to break with the centrist path followed by Angela Merkel during her 16-year tenure as chancellor.
His rivals Norbert Röttgen and Helge Braun had both positioned themselves as Merkel’s heirs.
The 66-year-old Merz made his third attempt to win the party presidency, securing 62.1% of the vote.
A lawyer originally from western Germany, this former parliamentarian had a lucrative career with asset manager Black Rock before returning to politics. (Report Thomas Escritt; French version Federica Mileo, edited by Sophie Louet)
click here for restriction
© 2021 Reuters