Merkel’s party are discussing a deal that could give one of them a clear run to avert ten months of political infighting. The Christian Democratic Union, which has ruled with coalition partners since 2005, is in uproar after Mrs Merkel’s chosen successor, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, announced her resignation but suggested that she could remain in post until December. At stake is not only the top job in Germany’s most powerful party but also the mantle of the strongest candidate to replace Mrs Merkel, 65, as chancellor after the next general election in September next year. Many members of the centre-right party fear it could be slowly torn apart by the ensuing leadership contest as its left and right wings Continue reading