Kramp-Karrenbauer's Victory at KAS Deals Major Blow to CDU Leader Merz

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has been elected as the new chair of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in Berlin, defeating CDU chairman Friedrich Merz's candidate, Günter Krings, with 28 votes to 21. This election outcome highlights a significant challenge to Merz's leadership within the CDU and signals internal party dissatisfaction.

Members of KAS expressed frustration over Merz's late and inadequate support for Krings, critiquing the choice of Krings due to the already strong representation of North Rhine-Westphalia in CDU leadership. Merz's handling of the election was described as poorly timed and incompetent, raising further doubts about his ability to lead the party effectively. This defeat follows Merz's earlier setback in July concerning the election of constitutional judges, which had weakened the CDU's coalition position.

Kramp-Karrenbauer's win is considered a personal setback for Merz, who had previously lost the CDU leadership to her in 2018. The election process demonstrated Kramp-Karrenbauer's continued influence and the waning support for Merz within critical party circles. Meanwhile, Merz also faces broader challenges, such as difficulties securing agreements in the EU and controversies over funding for Ukraine.

This development underscores the ongoing power struggles within the CDU, with Kramp-Karrenbauer reasserting her standing and Merz confronted by rising internal opposition.