2020 Christian Democratic Union of Germany leadership election facts for kids
The 2020 Christian Democratic Union leadership election was an important event for a big political party in Germany called the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). This election was planned to happen in Berlin on April 25, 2020. It was needed because the party's leader, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, decided to step down in February 2020. However, the election had to be put off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Why a New Leader Was Needed
After the previous leader, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, announced she would resign, several people wanted to become the new head of the CDU party.
Who Announced Their Candidacy?
On February 18, Norbert Röttgen was the first to say he wanted to run for the leadership. A few days later, on February 25, Armin Laschet and Jens Spahn made an announcement together. Jens Spahn said he supported Armin Laschet for the leader role, and Laschet then said he would run. Later that same day, Friedrich Merz also announced his plan to become the party's new leader.
Meet the Candidates for CDU Leader
These are the people who officially announced they wanted to lead the Christian Democratic Union party:
| Name | Important Jobs Held | State | When They Announced | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Armin Laschet | Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia (2017-present)
Deputy Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (2012-present) Leader of the Christian Democratic Union in North Rhine-Westphalia (2012-present) |
 North Rhine-Westphalia |
25 February 2020 |
 |
Friedrich Merz | Leader of CDU/CSU Group in the Bundestag/Leader of the Opposition (2000-2002)
Member of the Bundestag (1994-2009) Member of the European Parliament (1989-1994) |
North Rhine-Westphalia |
25 February 2020 |
 |
Norbert Röttgen | Chair of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee (2014-present)
Member of the Bundestag (1994-present) Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (2009-2012) Deputy Leader of the Christian Democratic Union (2010-2012) Leader of the Christian Democratic Union in North Rhine-Westphalia (2010-2012) |
North Rhine-Westphalia |
18 February 2020 |
See also
In Spanish: Elección de liderazgo de la Unión Demócrata Cristiana de Alemania de enero de 2021 para niños
