display

The Union's candidate for chancellor, Armin Laschet (CDU), sees his political future at the federal level and, according to his own statement, will turn his back on North Rhine-Westphalia: The CDU federal chairman definitely wants to move to Berlin after the federal election in autumn - even if there is one Election defeat.

So far, the 60-year-old from Aachen has kept it open whether he will use a return option and, if necessary, continue his office as NRW Prime Minister if he is not successful with his top candidacy.

"It is clear to me: my place is in Berlin after the general election," Laschet now told the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung".

He wanted to be "Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and will fight with all his might for the Union to win the election".

He ruled out a return to NRW: "Clear no."

With this, Laschet is sending a far-reaching signal to the Union.

For a few days, the CDU, especially in the North Rhine-Westphalian state association, has been discussing whether it makes sense to continue Laschet on the state political stage, especially since he is the federal party leader.

The most likely successor in NRW is ...

display

North Rhine-Westphalia's interior minister Herbert Reul (CDU), a close confidante of Laschet, recently caused further excitement in a WELT interview when he spoke out in favor of a right of return: “Armin Laschet has to go fully on Chancellor and bet on victory.

But depending on the election result, I would not rule out that he will remain Prime Minister and run again. "

Most of the CDU would be happy, emphasized Reul, if Laschet would run again in the NRW state elections in May 2022, “because then we would have great chances of winning.

That is why I would by no means rule out this option in his place ”.

Other Christian Democrats, on the other hand, had expressed themselves critically and called for a "future-proof" succession plan.

This is mainly due to the 45-year-old NRW Transport Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU), who is considered the most likely successor in the office of Prime Minister.

Hendrik Wüst (CDU), Transport Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia

Source: pa / dpa / Guido Kirchner

display

With his clarification, Laschet protects himself from criticism that he is only approaching his Berlin mission half-heartedly.

Although he emphasizes that he is fully focused on winning, he also has to consider a possible defeat.

In several polls, the Greens are now ahead of the Union.

Source: WORLD infographic

Also in the ZDF “Politbarometer” published on Friday, the Greens overtook the Union with 26 percent, which comes to 25 percent.

What options would Laschet have as a loser?

If the CDU actually only came second, Laschet could seek other influential options: the office of Vice Chancellor in a green-black coalition, for example, or, if a government constellation without CDU participation came about, the post of Union parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag.

The latter option, however, is likely to be highly controversial.

Because if the Union were to end up in the opposition, a great desire for a personal signal to start would be to be expected.

display

North Rhine-Westphalia's CDU is now facing major changes.

Laschet not only holds the offices of CDU federal chairman and NRW prime minister, but has also been head of the CDU state association with the largest number of members since 2012.

Next Monday, the state executive wants to discuss a date for the next state party conference, at which Laschet's successor will be decided.

Transport Minister Wüst comes into consideration as the new state chairman, as does Interior Minister Reul.

It is still unclear when Laschet will give up his post as Prime Minister - but this will happen at the latest when he is a member of the Bundestag.

What can Annalena Baerbock do that Armin Laschet cannot?

If the Bundestag election were to be held, the Greens would have 27 percent, while the Union would only have 24 percent.

Even in a direct election for the Chancellor, Green candidate Annalena Baerbock would do significantly better than her competitor Armin Laschet.

Source: WELT / Eybe Ahlers