Germany elects new CDU leader

Friedrich Merz was elected the new chairman of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), with 95% of the votes cast for him at the online congress, Report informs, citing RIA Novosti.

Merz was initially elected as the future leader back in mid-December - 62.1% of the approximately 400,000 members of the CDU voted for him. Today it has been officially approved - in accordance with the charter of the party as a party congress was necessary for it.

In total, 983 delegates took part in the congress, which is held in a mixed format, and 915 delegates voted for him.

In his campaign speech, Merz harshly attacked Social Democrat German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, accusing him of virtual inaction amid the security crisis in Europe.