Friedrich Merz, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Jens Spahn - For weeks, the three-way fight for the leading position in the CDU, the headlines. And the previous incumbent? Angela Merkel visited the hall in Hamburg on the eve of the congress, in which the Christian Democrats meet.
Of course, the 1001 delegates have an important role to play in laying the foundations for the future leadership, "she said on her traditional tour. She looks forward to the day tomorrow and "like everyone else, of course, looking forward to it, it's pure democracy if there is a choice, and the rest will be decided by the delegates."
Merkel once again made it clear that she wants to continue working with one or a new chairman as chancellor. The time had come at which "simply for the general election and the preparations must be made in times that change very much". Merkel emphasized: "I am grateful for the time that lies behind me and I am pleased to be able to continue working as Chancellor."
"We did not have that for many years"
Merkel spoke of a very special party congress, as the chairman or the chairman of the Federal CDU would be re-elected. "We did not have that for many years." Therefore, there was also an intensive preparation in the regional conferences, at which the three most promising candidates of the base presented themselves.
When asked what preceded her as chairman before her last party congress, Merkel said: "It feels like I am very grateful." She has been party leader for more than 18 years. "It's been a long, long time, and during that time, of course, the CDU has experienced ups and downs."
In addition to Kramp-Karrenbauer, Merz and Spahn, CDU Federal Managing Director Klaus Schüler said there were 15 other members who had expressed their readiness to run for office as chairpersons of the party headquarters. But none of them have so far been able to provide the necessary support from the party.
Delegates can suggest candidates
According to the students, this Friday at the party congress there will be a deadline of 12.30 pm, until which personnel proposals for the ballots can be submitted. To participate in the election, potential competitors must be officially nominated by a delegate as a candidate. However, delegates can also suggest themselves as candidates.
About the push of the Union-Mittelstands-Chefs Carsten Linnemann to discuss substantive debates such as the request of the Federal Executive for Social Market Economy not in Hamburg, but on a special party before the European elections in May, he had previously learned only from the newspaper, said Student. Linnemann would have to submit the proposal by initiative request at the party congress. The Union-Mittelstand wants to reach a postponement of the substantive debate that important discussions do not get in the face of personnel decisions in the background.