Most observers were convinced Kauder, with the support of Merkel and other party leaders, would easily beat Brinkhaus, who has virtually no public profile. Brinkhaus, who witnesses described as surprised by his own victory, received 125 votes to Kauder’s 112. [...]
In Germany’s stability-obsessed political culture such open rebellions, especially within the governing party, are rare. But conservatives in Merkel’s bloc — an alliance of two parties, the Christian Democrats and Bavaria’s Christian Social Union — have long taken issue with her handling of migration and other issues, such as the eurozone bailouts, grumbling that she has taken their party too far to the left. [...]
The turmoil over the botched dismissal of Germany’s domestic spy chief added to growing frustration over her leadership, however. The affair marked the second time since July that the so-called grand coalition of conservatives and Social Democrats came to the brink of collapse, largely due to infighting within Merkel’s camp that she struggled to bring under control.
The fact that Brinkhaus even decided to challenge Kauder was itself considered a small sensation, as it marked only the second time since 1973 that more than one candidate has run for the position. While the parliamentary leadership post is considered a key job within the center-right hierarchy, MPs normally leave the selection to top party officials.
No comments:
Post a Comment