Erwin Huber was the chairman of the CSU, one of the most powerful men in Bavaria, until he had to resign in 2008 because of the poor performance of his party.

He knows what it's like to be the scapegoat, how to cope with defeat.

In an interview, he describes his memories of the time and how difficult it is to disappear from the big stage.

Timo Steppat

Editor in politics.

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The psychologist Stephan Grünewald deals with the emotional state of Germans.

He believes politicians are turned into supermen who rarely get a second chance.

He talks about the pressure on ministers, candidates and prime ministers - and why it is so difficult to admit defeat.

After the preliminary out of Jamaica, things are not looking good for Armin Laschet.

He fears for his political survival.

Party friends have already turned away.

He will soon no longer be Prime Minister in North Rhine-Westphalia, his successor has already been chosen, even if the CDU should still co-govern in the federal government, most of the party want a future without Laschet.

Our correspondents Friederike Haupt and Reiner Burger explain the situation Laschet is in now.

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