The eternal chancellor? Merkel’s biggest obstacle to reelection will be uniting her own party

Angela Merkel has been formally confirmed in December 2016 as the CDU’s candidate for chancellor in the 2017 German federal elections. Julian Göpffarth assesses the key challenges that lie between Merkel and reelection, arguing that perhaps the most important priority will be to bring together members of the CDU who are increasingly critical of her leadership.

ESO: Background information: Merkel's CDU approves more conservative orientation http://www.europeansources.info/record/merkels-cdu-approves-more-conservative-orientation/

ESO: Key Source: German federal election, 2017 http://www.europeansources.info/record/german-federal-election-2017/

Deutsche Welle, 05.02.17: Germany's Merkel, Seehofer emphasize unity in light of SPD poll success http://dw.com/p/2X1Kv

---