The succession battle for the prestigious Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) continues to escalate, threatening to expose deepening fissures within the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Former CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer has reaffirmed her intention to run for the foundation’s chairmanship, despite concerted efforts to broker a consensus candidate and avoid an open contest.
This refusal to withdraw, voiced to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, directly challenges the preferred outcome of CDU leader and parliamentary group leader Friedrich Merz, who is backing Günter Krings, the parliamentary group’s deputy leader, for the position. Kramp-Karrenbauer’s initial declaration of candidacy a month ago initiated a period of intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering within the CDU, aimed at preventing a potentially damaging public showdown.
The chairmanship of KAS holds significant symbolic and political weight. It is a position that shapes the foundation’s intellectual output and public discourse, often influencing policy debates within Germany and across Europe. A defeat for Krings and by extension, Merz, would be interpreted as a significant blow to the current leadership’s authority and direction. It would also embolden factions within the CDU who remain critical of Merz’s approach.
The impending vote, scheduled for December 19th, will be decided by a 52-member assembly, including Merz himself. The departure of long-serving chairman Norbert Lammert, who announced his decision not to seek re-election, has created a vacuum necessitating the contentious selection process. The episode highlights a broader power struggle within the CDU, showcasing the enduring influence of Kramp-Karrenbauer, even after her resignation from active party leadership and raising questions about the degree of unity currently underpinning the party’s strategic direction. The outcome will be closely watched, not just within German politics, but also by observers assessing the CDU’s trajectory and its ability to recalibrate within a rapidly evolving political landscape.