China News Service, January 18th, a comprehensive report that due to the impact of the epidemic, the election for the chairman of the German ruling party CDU has turned into a marathon.
The current governor of North Rhine-Westphalia Raschelt became the final winner.
He is regarded as a "loyal supporter" of Merkel, but whether he can sprint to the throne of prime minister in the future is still unknown.
Data map: A remote speech by German Chancellor Merkel taken in Berlin, Germany.
Photo by China News Agency reporter Peng Dawei
According to reports, the election of the chairman of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party held online came to an end on 16th. The 59-year-old Armin Laschet won 521 votes in the second round of voting to get ahead of his opponent, Friedrich. Merz was elected chairman of the party by an advantage of 55 votes.
Norbert Röttgen, who was third in the competition, was eliminated in the first round of voting.
Merkel's faithful ally
Raschelt is regarded as the successor of Merkel's "middle way", and the line he took in the election is also as a "centrist", opposing the polarization of the party and the division of society.
In addition, he currently serves as the governor of the most populous federal state in Germany, North West West, and he is also the one with the most experience in governance.
In 2015, when Merkel decided to open the door to Germany for tens of thousands of refugees, a strong opposition emerged in the CDU party, but Raschelt has always maintained his "support and loyalty" to the prime minister.
In 2018, after Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer succeeded Merkel as chairman of the CDU party, Raschelt continued to support and cooperate as a vice chairman.
Political idea
Lashet's evaluation of himself is "prudent and pertinent", "friendly and will not betray others."
He advocates social unity and peace, and upholds the social welfare market economy system. He is also the only one among the three candidates who has won elections (state assembly elections) and has actual governance experience.
Although Raschelt still has few opportunities to perform in the diplomatic field, he belongs to the CDU party who firmly advocates a European-oriented and transatlantic relationship as the main line: support the EU to strengthen its unified action, support and France strengthens coordination and cooperation.
Lachette has close ties with French politics and often visits Paris.
Party chairman = candidate for prime minister?
Rashet became the second successor chairman of the CDU after Merkel’s resignation. Traditionally, the party chairman would also become a candidate for prime minister. If the CDU can win the next federal parliament election The right to form a cabinet.
But whether he can succeed Merkel, who has been in power for 15 years, and ascend the throne of prime minister, there are still many variables.
For example, the current Federal Minister of Health, Jens Spahn (Jens Spahn) is also very competitive, and he is 19 years younger than Rashet.
However, what Rashet said a few days ago made no secret of his ambition: "A governor who can successfully govern in a federal state with a population of 18 million can also serve as prime minister."