Photo Gallery Sunset in Berlin
Chancellor Angela Merkel has been in office for 13 years and has three years left in her current term. But chinks have begun showing in her armor and some in her party have begun jockeying for the post-Merkel era.
Ten days ago, Merkel-confidant Volker Kauder was ousted as leader of the conservative parliamentary group despite enjoying the chancellor's full support. It has been seen as the first clear sign that conservative lawmakers have become more willing to disregard her wishes.
The rebellion came from an unlikely corner. Soft-spoken Ralph Brinkhaus was chosen to replace Kauder, promising a new tone in parliament. His candidacy was likely successful in part because he didn't represent an overt challenge to Merkel's leadership.
Merkel has been grooming Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to succeed her has CDU leader. But AKK, as she is called, hasn't yet had sufficient time to solidify her power basis.
Jens Spahn, meanwhile, represents a challenge to Merkel's power from the conservative wing of the party. He, too, isn't quite ready for prime time. Spahn has confided in his biographer Michael Bröcker: "I am now well-known. I still need to become well-loved."
Should Merkel in fact decide to make the party leadership position available at December's CDU convention, North Rhine-Westphalia Governor Armin Laschet is seen has having the best chances.
