Friedrich Merz Re-elected CDU Leader as Angela Merkel Returns

Friedrich Merz secured re-election as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union with 91.17% of the vote during a party congress in Stuttgart where former Chancellor Angela Merkel made a surprise appearance.Carsten Linnemann was confirmed as General Secretary as the party, which now boasts 357,000 members, expanded its leadership team and pledged to block all cooperation with the AfD.The assembly also approved new housing policies aimed at reducing regulations while maintaining a firm stance against tax increases following a court ruling involving Björn Höcke.