[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has shaken the German political scene by suddenly announcing she will not run as a chancellor candidate. This has disrupted the succession plan following Chancellor Merkel's announcement of retirement after her term.
On the 10th (local time), Kramp-Karrenbauer held a press conference and declared, "I will not run for the next chancellor position." She said, "This decision was a choice for the CDU," and added, "This decision will have no impact on the grand coalition or other matters."
The downfall of Kramp-Karrenbauer, who was considered the definite successor to Chancellor Merkel, was linked to the political turmoil surrounding the election process of the Thuringia state premier. Earlier, Kramp-Karrenbauer had urged not to support the Free Democratic Party (FDP) candidate in the Thuringia premier election process, fearing the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) might exert influence. However, Thuringia CDU members ultimately defied Kramp-Karrenbauer’s wishes and supported the FDP candidate. In this process, unexpectedly, AfD supported the FDP candidate instead of their own, defeating left-wing parties such as the Greens and enabling the FDP candidate to win.
Previously, the CDU had declared a firm policy to reject any cooperation with the far-right party AfD. However, the Thuringia election results broke this taboo, creating a situation where the far-right party played a 'kingmaker' role. Furthermore, the Thuringia CDU also defied Kramp-Karrenbauer’s call to dissolve the parliament and hold new elections.
As the expansion of the far-right party’s role, once a forbidden area, became a reality, Chancellor Merkel stepped in. She voiced that this was "an unacceptable act" and demanded a general election. Merkel, who had kept some distance from domestic political issues after announcing her retirement plans, took action.
Kramp-Karrenbauer’s downfall also cast a shadow over Chancellor Merkel. Merkel’s plan to stabilize the remaining term by designating Kramp-Karrenbauer as her successor was shaken.
Moreover, there are speculations that the current grand coalition with the Social Democratic Party might also be destabilized. It is expected that internal debates over the party’s direction will arise during the upcoming party leadership election.
For now, Kramp-Karrenbauer announced she will maintain her positions as party leader and defense minister until the CDU decides on the next chancellor candidate by the end of this year.
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