Germany’s Kramp-Karrenbauer could be Merkel’s heir

Subject

Profile of Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

Significance

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is secretary general of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU). She was the popular minister-president of the federal state of Saarland when she was chosen by Merkel and is now expected to help rebuild the party. She could eventually lead it into the next general elections as heir apparent to the chancellor.

Impacts

• Kramp-Karrenbauer's appointment takes some wind out of the sails of CDU hardliners such as Health Minister Jens Spahn.
• At 55 years of age, she could be an impediment to efforts to make the party leadership younger.
• Her political future depends on whether Merkel will crash out or be able to leave on her own terms.