What Merkel's potential successors talk about in parliament
Merkel is leaving office after 16 years. One of three candidates could succeed her. DW analyzed: What do they talk about in parliament? And what does that mean for their potential chancellorship?
Armin Laschet: State premier and family minister
In recent years, the CDU chairman has been mostly active in state- and regional-level politics. That focus is reflected in his speeches, in which he mentions his home state and its political institutions more often than his fellow campaigners. His time as Integration and Family Minister from 2005 to 2010 also stands out, with mentions for parents, children and education.
Annalena Baerbock: Climate and Europe
Annalena Baerbock's characteristic issues stand out in her parliamentary speeches: She mentions climate policy, Germany’s coal phase-out and Europe more often than her competitors. Her home state of Brandenburg also makes an appearance: Baerbock comes from and is a member of parliament for Potsdam, near Berlin.
Olaf Scholz: German finance minister and Hamburg mayor
The SPD politician is active in both state and federal politics. He was mayor of Hamburg from 2011 to 2018 and, accordingly, often speaks about the city and its local politics. As a former labor minister and current finance minister, he mentions workers and the economy more often than the other two candidates.