Carsten Linnemann, the CDU’s Secretary‑General, told the German magazine “Stern” that Friedrich Merz appears to have the best conditions for a long political career. “Merz himself said that his father is over 100 years old and his mother is just under that” Linnemann explained. “So he carries the genes for staying in politics for a very long time”.
Merz, 70, is set to run for re‑election as party leader at the CDU federal congress late this week. Linnemann thinks a debate about a second chancellor candidacy is premature, replying to the question, “I suppose so, but that’s not a question that will arise in 2026”.
On the topic of a potential rival to Merz for another chancellor bid, Linnemann spoke warmly about Markus Söder. “I always look forward to Söder’s presence at our meetings” he said. “It always brings a bit of fun to the room” adding that such levity is generally good for politics.
