The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), a prominent German political foundation affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has elected former CDU chairwoman Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer as its new chairperson. The unanimous decision, confirmed by multiple German media outlets, marks a significant development within the party and sheds light on the ongoing power dynamics following the ascendance of Friedrich Merz as CDU leader.
Kramp-Karrenbauer’s victory was not without internal maneuvering. She prevailed over Günter Krings, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the CDU/CSU, a candidate reportedly favored by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Merz himself. The intense competition highlights the delicate balance of influence within the CDU, prompting the party to actively discourage a contested leadership battle to avoid undermining Merz’s authority, which remains relatively new.
The appointment of Kramp-Karrenbauer, who previously served as Saarland’s Minister-President and held the position of Federal Minister of Defence, is viewed by some analysts as a strategic move. Her track record, including a sometimes-controversial departure from frontline politics, suggests a potential shift in the foundation’s focus. The KAS plays a crucial role in shaping political discourse and promoting the CDU’s core values both domestically and internationally.
Her predecessor, former Bundestag President Norbert Lammert, opted not to seek re-election, leaving a void at the helm of the influential foundation. The selection of Kramp-Karrenbauer raises questions about the direction the KAS will take under her leadership and whether it will reflect a return to some of the more assertive policy stances previously associated with her, potentially challenging the more centrist course currently being charted by Merz and the CDU. The foundation’s future pronouncements and funding priorities are now subject to heightened scrutiny within the party and beyond.