![epa09290456 Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party chairman Armin Laschet gestures during a press conference with Christian Social Union (CSU) and Bavaria's State Premier Markus Soeder (unseen) after the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party congress in Berlin, Germany, 21 June 2021. EPA/FILIP SINGER/ POOL](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YP6RZ3OWYZ2EJVDI2V7C3O3RAI.jpg?smart=true&auth=35a07837d8c3a53be98a0ccf4aa13b59f0058bb9c5b0e25691c9a6c1d81adc3b&width=400&height=225)
CDU leader Armin Laschet hopes to succeed Angela Merkel after September's election. EPA
CDU leader Armin Laschet hopes to succeed Angela Merkel after September's election. EPA
Armin Laschet sets out pitch to lead Germany: Safeguard economy while protecting climate
CDU leader faces battle with the Greens' Annalena Baerbock to succeed Angela Merkel