Angela Merkel to be challenged as CDU party leader by German businessman
Andreas Ritzenhoff calls for 'change of direction' as he plans to oppose chancellor
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A German businessmen is reportedly preparing an unlikely challenge to Angela Merkel for the leadership of the country’s largest conservative party.
Andreas Ritzenhoff, the owner of an aluminium manufacturing company, told the Funke newspaper group the chancellor's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) needs a “change of direction” and “new political aims”.
“I'm worried about what's happening with Germany, Europe and the western world,” he said.
“I see here a threat that is directed against the economic power, the prosperity, the security and last but not least the freedom of culture and the spirit of our population.”
Ms Merkel, Germany's leader since 2005 and CDU leader since 2000, has indicated she is likely to seek a new two-year term at the party's helm at a congress in December.
Her authority has been weakened recently by constant squabbling in her fourth-term government and the ousting last week of a close ally as the conservatives' parliamentary leader.
In July, Ms Merkel faced one of the biggest crises of her time in office when the interior minister, Horst Seehofer, tendered his resignation over her migration policy.
However, the chancellor was able to strike a deal with Mr Seehofer, leader of coalition partner the Christian Social Union, preventing the collapse of her government.
Alongside Mr Ritzenhoff, law student Jan-Philipp Knoop has said he plans to challenge Ms Merkel.
Additional reporting by AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments