Germany: Merkel`s party elects pragmatic Laschet as leader
(WorldNews Germany)

By GEIR MOULSON Associated Press BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Angela Merkel`s center-right party on Saturday chose Armin Laschet, the pragmatic governor of Germany`s most populous state, as its new leader — sending a signal of continuity months before an election in which voters will decide who becomes the new chancellor. Laschet will have to build unity in the Christian Democratic Union, Germany`s strongest party, after beating more conservative rival Friedrich Merz. And he will need to plunge straight into an electoral marathon that culminates with the Sept. 26 national vote. Saturday`s vote isn`t the final word on who will run as the center-right candidate for chancellor in Germany`s Sept. 26...