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Merkel Backs Potential Heir in Call for Stricter German Lockdown

  • Laschet’s plan for short, sharp shutdown gains broader support
  • Pressure to act mounting as intensive-care facilities fill up
Armin Laschet visits a vaccination center in Aachen, Germany, on April 5.
Armin Laschet visits a vaccination center in Aachen, Germany, on April 5.Photographer: Lukas Schulze/Getty Images
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Chancellor Angela Merkel joined a growing chorus of voices backing a call from the leader of her party for stricter, short-term curbs to contain Germany’s resurgent coronavirus outbreak.

A hard two- to three-week shutdown is needed to get Germany’s incidence rate under control, Armin Laschet, the chairman of Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union, said Tuesday.