Merkel Succession Turns Nasty With Mudslinging and Threats
- Soeder says he’s the candidate to connect with new voters
- Laschet attacks the Bavarian’s ambivalence on nationalists
This article is for subscribers only.
Bavaria Premier Markus Soeder presented himself as a force for change who can revive the fortunes of Germany’s conservatives as he stepped up his bid to follow Chancellor Angela Merkel at the top of the bloc’s election ticket.
His rival for the candidacy in September’s national vote, Armin Laschet, responded by saying that Soeder changes his views a little too easily, accusing him of opportunism and lacking principle, according to officials present at a private meeting Tuesday with lawmakers.