Centrist picked to lead Merkel`s CDU party
(WorldNews Europe)

BERLIN • Germany`s Christian Democrats elected Mr Armin Laschet as chairman yesterday, aiming to unify their divided party behind a centrist who they hope can succeed Dr Angela Merkel as chancellor when she steps down after federal elections in September. Mr Laschet, 59, premier of Germany`s most populous state - North Rhine-Westphalia - and the self-styled Merkel continuity candidate, won a run-off ballot of party delegates against arch-conservative Friedrich Merz. Dr Merkel, 66, Europe`s predominant politician and a consistent...