Germany’s CDU Elects Former BlackRock Executive as Leader

The conservative has overwhelming support as party chair
Merz signals renewal of party, opposition to ruling coalition

Friedrich Merz at CDU party headquarters in Berlin, on Jan 21. — Friedrich Merz at CDU party headquarters in Berlin, on Jan 21.
Photographer: HannibalHanschke/AFP/Getty Images

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By Alexey Anishchuk

January 22, 2022 at 2:14 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Germany’s Christian Democrats have chosen Friedrich Merz, a former BlackRock Inc. executive, as chairman to spearhead the party’s revival after a stinging election defeat in September.

Merz was the only candidate standing at the virtual party conference. He was elected with 95% in his favor, or 967 out of 983 votes, with no ballots cast against him, according to a statement from the party of former Chancellor Angela Merkel.