German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s party has chosen Armin Laschet as its new leader

BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Angela Merkel’s center-right party has elected the pragmatic governor of Germany’s most populous state, as its new leader. The decision by Christian Democratic Union delegates on Saturday sends a signal of continuity months before an election in which voters will decide who becomes the country’s new chancellor. Armin Laschet defeated the more conservative Friedrich Merz with a 521 to 466 vote during the party’s convention. Laschet’s victory isn’t the final word on who will run as the center-right candidate to succeed Merkel in Germany’s Sept. 26 national election, but Laschet will either run for chancellor or will have a big say in who does. He said the choice will be made in April.