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BERLIN (REUTERS) – The three candidates competing to succeed German Chancellor Angela Merkel is the leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU) agreed on Thursday (Nov 15) to revive their party's fortunes by cutting taxes and reducing Germany's dependence on the United States for defense.
In a strikingly good-humored three-hour debate in the northern city of Luebeck, the first of eight meetings with grassroots party across Germany before a leadership vote on Dec 7, the rivals barely clashed on broad policy.
Dr Merkel's digitalization drive. While there were different nuances on details, the three agreed to work on the integration of migrants, focus more on affordable housing.
The race for the leader of the Christian Democratic Union has formed a dual role between Merkel and Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, widely seen as the continuity option, and Mr Friedrich Merz, a millionaire who describes himself as a free trade man.
Dr. Merkel has said she will remain chancellor atop a 'grand coalition' with the CDU's Bavarian sister party and Social Democrats until the end of her term in 2021.
CDU General Secretary Kramp-Karrenbauer, the front-runner, will applause for it would continue the process of renewal of the view of the party base.
Former Merkel rival Merz said he would like to take the CDU back over the 40 percent mark and halve support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), currently polling at around 16 percent. The CDU is at around 26-27 per cent in most surveys.
"It is our job to do this," he said, adding the CDU had to make it clear that it was neglected after the influx of 1.5 million migrants since 2015.
Health Minister Jens Spahn, the third candidate and an arch-critic of Dr. Merkel's migrant policy, said the CDU has now taken over from all of Germany's 16 states.
"We can also get rid of them," he said.
All three candidates for leadership and mutual respect.
"In the end, the party must be the winner," said Mr Merz.
An opinion poll for broadcaster ARD conducted on Monday and Tuesday showed Ms Kramp-Karrenbauer, known as mini-Merkel, still favorite among CDU voters with 46 per cent support.
31% of CDU fans favored Mr Friedrich Merz, returning to politics after 10 years in private sector.
Twelve per cent backed Spahn.
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