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CDU’s Friedrich Merz says his party could work with Alternative for Germany at local level
Friedrich Merz is struggling to boost support for the CDU despite the coalition government’s declining popularity
Conservative promises victory in regional elections this year and says he will draft programme for party reeling from defeat
Successor to Angela Merkel tasked with boosting party’s morale after worst-ever Bundestag election result
Tensions with supporters of his defeated rival could prove dangerous as elections loom in Germany
Armin Laschet’s win signals continuity but losing a longtime leader will weaken the party
Victory keeps party on a centrist course and puts the Rhinelander in pole position to succeed Angela Merkel
Frontrunner Friedrich Merz strikes very different tone on EU to Angela Merkel
Candidacy to lead Germany’s CDU faces opposition from supporters of current chancellor
Candidates vie to head country’s biggest political party ahead of general election next year
Friedrich Merz says online election for party leadership vulnerable to attack
Contest is crucial because winner will be in pole position to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor
The sway held by the group extends far beyond its function as a vast asset manager
Their university days explain a lot about Germany’s centre-right power struggle
Darling of German conservatives goes from fringe to forefront in CDU leadership race
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer beats more conservative rivals to safeguard chancellor’s legacy
Restoring unity is priority for winner while splits over German leader’s legacy deepen
Rival endorsements by high-profile figures expose ideological divide in ruling party
Party grandee says chancellor’s former rival will best restore conservative identity
Seizure of Ukrainian ships prompts calls to reappraise Nord Stream 2
The choice of a new leader will determine whether the Christian Democrats want to be a truly conservative party
Frontrunner to head party draws suspicion from voters who like their leaders low-key
CDU leadership candidate Friedrich Merz says postwar constitution may need to change
Merz wins cheers with pledge to weaken far-right AfD as leadership debates kick off
Departing from the path set by the chancellor could put the CDU back on track
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