Election of Merkel Ally Defuses Threat to Her Authority, for Now
Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer will become party chairwoman protecting the chancellor’s hold on power
HAMBURG—Angela Merkel bowed out of party politics Friday as conservative lawmakers elected one of the chancellor’s close allies to succeed her as head of the Christian Democratic Union, beginning what could be a protracted twilight for one of Europe’s most resilient leaders.
In an emotional speech marking the end of her 18 years as leader of the country’s largest political party, Ms. Merkel bade farewell to her troops.
“I...