The fight to succeed Angela Merkel could change the course of Europe

A handover that once seemed so secure is up in the air again, writes Europe Correspondent Jon Stone

While the British are focusing on their own election, over the channel there’s another power struggle going on that could shape the future of Europe. The biggest political party in the continent’s biggest economy is engaged in a tug-of-war for its soul.

It was supposed to be simple: when Angela Merkel stepped down as leader of the CDU in 2018, she was replaced by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer – her protege and ally.

Kramp-Karrenbauer (or AKK as she is understandably called in the German press) is from the same wing of the party as Merkel – a moderate. Political continuity was ensured.