Session adjourned so parties can consult over process that had been expected to anoint CDU/CSU leader to replace outgoing Olaf Scholz
Scholz to hand over power to sound of feminist anthem
The problem with the vote being a secret ballot is that Merz and his whips won’t even know who they need to talk to if they want to get his candidacy over the line.
Given the well-choreographed timeline for the next few days – with Merz expected in Paris and Warsaw tomorrow, VE Day celebrations on Thursday, and Brussels on Friday, according to German media – he and his entourage can be temped to push for the second vote later today.