Merkel Despairs as German Conservatives Slump on Her Watch
- Chancellor’s succession plan unraveled, adding to the chaos
- Late plunge into campaign mode may be too late for Laschet
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For weeks Angela Merkel has been observing from afar the leader of her once-mighty party, the Christian Democrats, fall apart. The German chancellor finally decided to step in to try and salvage a floundering campaign, but it may be too late.
At stake is not just her legacy, as a veteran who’s governed Germany with a solid mandate for 16 years. As things stand, the motor of the European economy, could move from conservative hands to a Socialist government with potential policy implications for business and markets.