Merkel Picks AKK to Take Over Troubled German Defense Ministry

Kramp-Karrenbauer to succeed Brussels-bound Von der Leyen
CDU leader bidding to follow Merkel as chancellor in 2021

Annegret Kramp-KarrenbauerPhotographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Arne Delfs and Iain Rogers

July 17, 2019 at 4:21 AM UTC

Updated on

July 17, 2019 at 5:33 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Want the lowdown on European markets? In your inbox before the open, every day. Sign up here.

Angela Merkel unexpectedly picked Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer to succeed Brussels-bound Ursula von der Leyen as defense minister, handing the head of Germany’s Christian Democrats a difficult portfolio as she seeks to develop her bid to become chancellor after Merkel’s term ends.