Angela Merkel crisis: Rivals 'plot stitch up to force Chancellor OUT' after AKK blow

The German Chancellor’s leadership opponents Armin Laschet, 58, the chief minister of North Rhine-Westphalia and political foes Friedrich Merz, 64, and Jens Spahn are said to be in talks to get Angela Merkel out swiftly to avoid political instability in Germany. Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer threw the CDU and Mrs Merkel’s plan for a smooth transition of power into turmoil on Monday with her sensational announcement, which followed months of mounting doubts about her suitability for the top job.

The CDU are now embarking on choosing a new leader and chancellor candidate for the next federal election due by October 2021.

But the possibility of having a rival as party leader while she remains chancellor may be unworkable and force Mr Merkel, who will not seek re-election after leading Europe’s biggest economy for 15 years, to surrender early.

Reports suggest the three frontrunners have discussed a deal that would see an election avoided and Mrs Merkel out of her job sooner than she had planned in 2021.

The proposals would see Mrs Merkel’s ally Mr Laschet, 58, the chief minister of North Rhine-Westphalia in place for the top job, while Mr Merz and Mr Spahn would take high-ranking posts in a future government led by the CDU.

Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer announced she would be stepping down as CDU leader and would not run for Chancellorship in Germany on Monday.

Speaking today, Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer said she will meet contenders to replace her, forging ahead with the succession process after senior party figures pressed for a swift decision.

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“At the moment, there are three names circulating in public.

“Whether more come forward, and what gender they are, we will see.”

Once described as the world’s most powerful woman, Mrs Merkel stepped down as leader of the CDU in 2018 and is preparing to step down as chancellor in 2021 after losing grip on power in the face of plummeting opinion polls and an unpopular and ineffective coalition government.

She had hoped Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer, who replaced her as CDU party leader, would run for Chancellorship.

However, after Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer’s shock announcement Mrs Merkel was forced to express her “regret”.

Mrs Merkel said: “I regard this decision with great respect, though I greatly regret it.

“I can imagine this wasn’t an easy decision for her and I thank her for being prepared to stay on to steer the process of choosing a successor.”

source: express.co.uk