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Armin Laschet: is the conservative alliance pick 'too nice' to be Germany's next chancellor?

Armin Laschet: is the conservative alliance pick ‘too nice’ to be Germany’s next chancellor?
Kate Connolly in Berlin
© Provided by The Guardian
Photograph: Marijan Murat/AFP/Getty Images
It is often said of Armin Laschet that he never even wanted to go into politics, but ended up joining the CDU only due to the persistent persuasion of an acquaintance. Four decades on, he is the leader of Germany’s most populous state, leader of the Christian Democrats and the conservative alliance’s candidate for chancellor.
If the CDU – which has governed Germany for 51 of the past 71 years – wins September’s federal election, he will step into Angela Merkel’s shoes as the leader of Europe’s largest economy.

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Who are the rivals to lead Germany after Merkel?

Who are the rivals to lead Germany after Merkel?
© Getty Images
Armin Laschet needs to stamp his authority on his own CDU party ahead of the election
The race to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor is wide open, but the rivals all face the same tough challenge: how do you stand out, overshadowed by such a political colossus?
Mrs Merkel has dominated German politics for 16 years as chancellor. Her would-be successors have to make their mark before the September federal election.
Here is a quick guide to who they are, with an assessment by Damien McGuinness in Berlin of the chances they have.

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