Merkel news: Who is new CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer?

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, 56, was today elected as the new leader of Christian Democrats replacing . She was narrowly voted into power with 51.8 percent of votes – 517 votes from 999 cast – by CDU delegates. Her nearest rival, millionaire lawyer Friedrich Merz, took 482 votes. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who is regularly referred to as AKK, is now largely expected to become German Chancellor when Angela Merkel retires in 2021.

Who is Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer?

AKK was born on August 9, 1962 and grew up in a Catholic family in Saarland, southwest Germany.

Originally planning to become a midwife, the headmaster’s daughter moved into politics during her teens, joining the CDU at the age of 19.

She completed a master’s degree in political science before starting her career as a policy officer for CDU Saarland.

The politician soon rose through the ranks, becoming the first woman to serve as state minister as internal affairs in 2000.

Between 2011 and 2018, she became chief minister of Saarland, where again she was the first woman in the role.

The political is a protege of Mrs Merkel’s and is often referred to as “mini-Merkel”.

Outside of work, AKK is married with three sons.

What does Ms Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer’s appointment mean for Germany?

Professor Stefan Auer, Associate Professor in European Studies at the United of Hong Kong, told Express.co.uk: “It depends on what Germans want.

“If they want more of what Merkel stood for then they will go for Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer but I don’t think that would be the best option, frankly.

“Because of all the problems that people associate with Angela Merkel.”

However, AKK told CDU delegates she had a lot to offer during her acceptance speech in Hamburg.

The new leader said: “I have read a lot about what I am and who I am: ‘mini’, a copy, simply ‘more of the same’. Dear delegates, I stand before you as I am and as life made me and I am proud of that.”

She added: “I learned what it is to lead – and above all learnt that leadership is more about being strong on the inside than being loud on the outside.”

Current German Chancellor Mrs Merkel looked close to tears as she delivered her farewell speech to delegates in the room.

She was given a 10-minute standing ovation with cries of “Danke Angie” to acknowledge her 18 years in the job.