CDU crisis: Merz shoots AKK and Merkel - then Til Schweiger says: "This is our man"

After the announcement of the resignation of CDU boss Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Friedrich Merz comes into focus. And he has a prominent fan: actor Til Schweiger.

• Friedrich Merz apparently wants to run for the CDU chair .
• A successor is urgently sought after the AKK withdrawal .
• A candidate for chancellor should also be found by summer.

Update 8:55 p.m .: Does the unexpected upheaval at the top of the CDU plunge Germany into political chaos? Three party leaders have to answer this question on Sunday evening: The consequences of the Thuringian scandal are the subject of "Anne Will". Guests include CSU boss Markus Söder and his SPD counterpart Saskia Esken.

Merz shoots Merkel and AKK - then Til Schweiger says: "This is our man"

Update from February 16, 2020 at 10.45 a.m .: After his harsh criticism of AKK, Merkel and AfD voters, CDU politician Friedrich Merz is now backed by a prominent fan. Actor Til Schweiger was really enthusiastic about the Bild newspaper, as Merz was brought up in conversation. "Friedrich Merz is also someone who speaks plain text," praised Schweiger. And he is certain: "If one can get a grip on the strengthening of the AfD, then he!" The majority of the CDU members think Merz is great, the actor also said. But he also accused the party of blocking his favorite. "Actually, the CDU should say: This is our man! He asked. "But I see that an attempt is being made to prevent him."

Update of February 15, 2020, 9.46 a.m .: For Friedrich Merz 's comment that it is "pure coincidence that lows have female names at the moment" and the criticism hidden therein of the CDU leadership duo Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Angela Merkel, there is still criticism . After SPD politician Karin Prien ironically spoke on Twitter of a " special kind of spiritual and moral change " immediately after the statements, SPD leader Saskia Esken now took a verbal blow to Merz.

Merz jokes women - many politicians give him contradictions

"With his misogynistic, caustic comments, Merz shows once again that not only his jokes are from the day before yesterday ," said the politician, according to Bild.de. And even at the CDU, some women obviously didn't find Merz's comment particularly funny. They give the 64-year-old contraindications - and stick to his comparison. "Hasn't Kyrill (Greek male name) done the greatest damage in recent years?" Elke Duhme , Vice-President of the Women's Union in NRW, told Bild . And Yvonne Magwas , head of Union women in the Bundestag, made a clear announcement to Merz: "Yes, women can kindle storms," ​​she said to Bild . "The men just have to get warm beforehand."

And also a male Union politician, member of the European Parliament Dennis Radtke , commented on Merz's sip: "I do not assume that Mr. Merz is malicious at this point, but I suspect the attempt to be funny," he told the newspaper. Then he also followed up with a verbal tip on Merz. Merz can also learn a lot from Armin Laschet when it comes to humor.

By the way: Not only did Friedrich Merz have criticism recently, CDU colleague Andreas Scheuer also got caught in the crossfire of critics on Twitter. You have torn Scheuer's unusual proposal for parcel delivery in the air.

2:25 p.m .: While Friedrich Merz 'side blow and AKK caused displeasure with SPD politician Karin Prien, another statement by the ex-Union parliamentary leader outraged the AfD . At the Mittelstandsforum in Berlin on Thursday evening, Merz had pleaded to win back voters who had left the AfD instead of promoting them on the left. In this way, the CDU could help to halve the AfD's electorate. He wanted to contribute to "this rabble disappearing," Merz had said.

Merz describes AfD voters as "rabble" - Group leader Gauland is outraged

The AfD parliamentary group leader Alexander Gauland reacted to this statement on Friday. "The devaluation of the AfD and its voters as 'rabble' by Friedrich Merz is completely unacceptable, " said the politician in Berlin. Gauland continued to criticize that it was "irresponsible and negligent to take such a tone in the face of political competition."

Meanwhile , Merz has already defused his statement regarding the AfD. He had "used this word in the course of a discussion about right-wing radicalism and violent demonstrators, but of course it did not mean elected parliamentarians or voters of any party," the CDU politician said via his Twitter account.

I used this word in #Berlin yesterday in a discussion of #Right radicalism and violent demonstrators, but of course I was not referring to elected MPs from any party. (tm) #mankind #mar

According to a report by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Merz had declared at an event of the Forum Mittelstand in Berlin that the "strengthening of right-wing political forces" shamed him. Thirty years after the turning point and comparatively high election results for NPD and Republicans , you have "these people sitting there": "If I can help this rabble to disappear, then I will make this contribution."

Merz hands out against AKK and Merkel - his audience reacts with laughter

Friedrich Merz distributed verbal tips against AKK and Angela Merkel.

© dpa / Kay Nietfeld

Update from February 14, 2020, 10:04 a.m .: Friedrich Merz is currently in the race for Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer's successor - and shared with the two women in the leadership of the CDU, AKK and Chancellor Angela at a performance on Thursday evening in the "Ballhaus Berlin" Merkel, out. But you had to be careful to understand your cleverly formulated criticism . Because he called neither Kramp-Karrenbauer nor Merkel by name.

Regarding the day of AKK's resignation, Merz said according to a report by Bild.de : “This February 10th will go down in the history of the Federal Republic as a day of the storm. But not only outside, but also inside. Incidentally, it's a coincidence that lows have female names at the moment. “There was laughter in the hall for this verbal tip. And Merz replied: “It changes every year. Yes, they know that, it does not allow any political associations. ”The audience acknowledged his smug statements again with laughter .

At least at the end of his digression on the naming of meteorological highs and lows, he conceded: "The bad news for all men is: next year it will be the other way round." According to Bild.de , he also had 15 years as Chancellor at the end words of praise . The last 15 years have been good years for the Federal Republic, he said. Now the CDU and CSU would have to clarify some factual questions.

Merz had to listen to criticism for his deep saying from the ranks of the SPD: General Secretary Lars Klingbeil tweeted that Merz wanted "to be picked up from the 19th century" - "what a chauvi!". But even a CDU politician did not find the gag to laugh at all. "Herrenwitz reloaded", etched the Schleswig-Holstein Minister of Education Karin Prien . "A special kind of intellectual and moral change."

#Herrenwitz reloaded. A special kind of intellectual and moral change. Https://t.co/0sJUWYATYP

Merz clearly ahead in Chancellor survey - tough words against union of values

Update of February 13, 9:55 p.m .: There is much to suggest that Friedrich Merz will be the next candidate for chancellor in the Union. So also a current survey by Infratest dimap for the ARD Germany trend: Here Merz is at the top with 40 percent approval for the question "Who would be a good CDU candidate for Chancellor?" He is followed by Bavaria's Prime Minister Söder (31), NRW chief Armin Laschet (30) and health minister Jens Spahn (24).

Union supporters speak even more clearly for Merz: here he is 69 percent ahead of Söder (53), Laschet (43) and Spahn (24).

The Union loses one point in the Sunday question of the Bundestag election, but leads the poll result with 26 percent ahead of the Greens (22, +0), the improved SPD (16, +2) and the AfD (14, +0) Left (9, +0) and the FDP (7, -1).

Update of February 13, 8:07 p.m .: Former Union faction leader Friedrich Merz (CDU) has distanced itself from the conservative union of values. Merz said on Thursday evening at a medium- sized company forum in Berlin: "It would be good if this union of values did not exist." He does not find it very sympathetic what comes from this side. Merz also spoke of a cry for help that certain issues would no longer be discussed as some groups in the Union wished.

The Union of Values was founded almost three years ago, initially as a “freedom-conservative departure” and above all as a reaction to Chancellor Angela Merkel's (CDU) refugee policy. The conservative group claims to have more than 4,000 members.

CDU crisis: Merz meets Laschet at economic council meeting

Update of February 13, 6.42 p.m .: Ex-Union faction leader Friedrich Merz and his possible competitor for party leadership , NRW Prime Minister Armin Laschet , attended a meeting of the CDU Economic Council on Thursday. Laschet gave a lecture under the motto "New dynamics in Germany and Europe", the German press agency learned on Thursday evening from party circles. At the non-public meeting, he presented his ideas on how the Union should reorganize itself after Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer's announced withdrawal.

Merz then came to an event organized by the Berlin “Forum Mittelstand”. There he wanted a lecture entitled "What now Germany? - (Way) in a good future! " When he arrived shortly after 6 p.m., Merz was greeted with applause and cheers . Members of the Union's offspring from the Junge Union held up signs with inscriptions such as "Ein Herz für Merz" or " Kanzler Merz ".

It was unclear whether Merz would officially announce his candidacy for party leadership. On Wednesday evening, the German press agency had learned from Merz's closest environment that he was determined to run. Merz knew the party base behind and felt encouraged by current polls, it said. It was also unclear whether Merz also wanted to become a candidate for chancellor.

Update from 5.15 p.m .: The spokesman for the conservative union of values , Ralf Höcker , resigns from all political positions due to threats. "Two hours ago, it was made very clear to me that I have to end my political engagement immediately if I don't want to fear" consequences ", wrote the Cologne lawyer on Thursday on Facebook. “The announcement was credible and unmistakable. I bow to the pressure and immediately resign from all my political positions and declare myself to leave all political organizations. ”

The chairman of the Union of Values , Alexander Mitsch, confirmed the resignation to the German Press Agency. "I can understand that he doesn't want to continue under the pressure and deeply regret and condemn that such things are possible in Germany," said Mitsch. Deutschlandfunk had previously reported on Höcker's resignation.

CDU: rapid change of leadership to Merz or Laschet?

1.30 p.m .: Could the change of leadership at the CDU possibly take place more quickly than initially thought? The CDU headquarters was open to convening a special party convention for the election of the new chairman. The outgoing party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer wants to hold talks with successor prospects such as Friedrich Merz and Armin Laschet next week. In a board meeting on February 24th she wants to inform about the current status.

Successor contender Friedrich Merz , however, was already applying the brakes and warned against too much hurry. There was no reason to be hectic when looking for a successor, he told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on Wednesday evening. "We have to talk to each other in peace."

Friedrich Merz positions himself for CDU chair - column at Welt am Sonntag is discontinued

9.26 a.m .: Friedrich Merz (CDU) positions itself. Step by step. Since the waiver of his party colleague and CDU leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer Germany has been expecting the bang, which is predicted with Friedrich Merz as a future CDU candidate from various places. Voices from the SPD, the Greens and the Left, but also within the CDU, expect Merz to be an unforgivable shift to the right. Others, especially the conservative wing of the Union or the arch-conservative Union of Values ​​* hope with Merz that the weakened party will regain strength.

On Wednesday, just three days after Kramp-Karrenbauer's surprising statement, Merz announced his interest in the CDU chairmanship and in the candidacy for chancellor. Hardly surprising, since the lawyer has been trying to fight to the top of the party since 2018. While he is still waiting for another statement in Germany, Merz has to give up one of his platforms. His political comeback is not compatible with his column in the Welt am Sonntag . Johannes Boie, editor in chief Welt am Sonntag , tweeted on Wednesday evening that the time had now come to give up the collaboration. A small but clear sign of the seriousness of Friedrich Merz's plans.

, @_FriedrichMerz and I have decided together that now is a good time to end his column in #WELTAMSONNTAG. I thank him for his great lyrics - and him and his team for the great collaboration.

Friedrich Merz apparently wants to run for CDU chairmanship - does he reveal more today?

Update from February 13, 6.51 a.m .: Friedrich Merz wants to run for the CDU party chair. The German Press Agency (dpa) wants to know this from its closest environment. Merz is therefore eagerly awaiting an appearance this Thursday evening in Berlin at around 6:30 p.m.

Already in the morning (10 a.m.) a current hour is planned for the consequences of the Thuringian state election in the North Rhine-Westphalian state parliament . NRW Prime Minister Armin Laschet is another potential successor to the CDU chairmanship. In addition to Laschet, Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn is mentioned again and again. Spahn had said on Wednesday that he was ready to take responsibility, he had always said that. "But in what constellation this will happen, we'll talk about it in the next few days."

Laschet apparently relies on an amicable solution in the personnel debate. The German Press Agency in Berlin learned from circles of the North Rhine-Westphalian CDU that Laschet supported the party-agreed path in the personnel discussion, which also supported the Bundestag faction.

On Wednesday evening, Bodo Ramelow also spoke on TV with Sandra Maischberger about the Thuringian political quake. He made harsh allegations to the AfD * - and reacted increasingly to Maischberger's questions during the program.

Friedrich Merz apparently wants to run for CDU presidency: appearance on Thursday in Berlin

Update from February 12, 8:24 p.m .: Tomorrow, Thursday, Friedrich Merz speaks at the Ballhaus Berlin and observers hope for a comment on the reports about his decision to run for the CDU chair.

His topic “What now Germany? - (Way) into a good future ”at the“ Forum Mittelstand ”is certainly designed for capital and economic questions. An election slogan could certainly also be derived from this.

Friedrich Merz apparently wants to run for CDU chairmanship

First report from February 12, 5:57 p.m .: Berlin - Friedrich Merz was traded as a possible successor immediately after AKK's announcement of resignation . At first he spoke out clearly against a vote by the members, then gave in and is said to have now made the decision to run for the post of CDU chairman , as the German Press Agency (DPA) is supposed to have learned.

CDU: AKK resigns after election disaster in Thuringia - who inherits the union boss?

After the disastrous prime minister election in Thuringia *, Kramp-Karrenbauer had drawn a line. Now, according to the plans of the outgoing CDU leader , a suitable candidate for chancellor should be found by summer.

In addition to Armin Laschet * and Friedrich Merz , Jens Spahn and Markus Söder (CSU) are also considered potential candidates for Chancellor . With the exception of Markus Söder, who, however, already publicly rejected a candidacy, this would also go hand in hand with taking over the party chairmanship .

CDU chair: Friedrich Merz apparently wants to run for AKK successor

As the German Press Agency now wants to know from the environment of Friedrich Merz , he has made his decision and will run for the office of party leader .

Video: Friedrich Merz and his million dollar businesses

This would make the former leader the first to speak clearly. So far, there has been great reluctance among the possible candidates for the AKK successor *.

Friedrich Merz: Should election to the CDU chairmanship not be a member decision?

It was no secret that Friedrich Merz was very interested in chairing the CDU . In the fall of last year, he narrowly lost to AKK in the election to succeed Angela Merkel.

The DPA continues to report that Merz is determined and believes the party base is behind. Current surveys should support this opinion.

Nevertheless, the 64-year-old probably does not want to completely submit to the decision of the members . For example, Merz is supposed to support a member survey, but reject a binding decision .

* merkur.de is part of the nationwide editorial network of Ippen-Digital

CDU politician Wolfgang Bosbach recently found himself in need of explanation - the reason was an advertisement against Werner Hansch, who borrowed money from Bosbach in unusual circumstances.

Rubric list picture: © dpa