Merkel calls for Lachette vote to 'keep Germany stable'
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called on citizens to vote for Armin Lachette, the conservative candidate of her CDU party, to keep Germany "stable". The message was sent two days before the parliamentary elections in which her successor is being elected.
"For Germany to remain stable, Armin Lachette must be federal chancellor," Merkel told her party in Munich ahead of Sunday's election, with opinion polls predicting a close duel between the Social Democrats' favorite and his right-wing opponent.
"Drink four or five brandies with us": Stories from the town where Merkel comes from
She emphasized that the decision was not a signal of a formal antitrust inquiry into Germany, but said that maintaining some independence was not the answer.
"Can you imagine a red-red-green government?" Asked CDU and CSU representatives gathered in Munich at the last rally of the campaign. The chancellor criticized the tax increase announced by the Social Democrat candidate, which could force German companies to move to Austria or the Netherlands.
"Drink four or five brandies with us": Stories from the town where Merkel comes from
"This is not our policy," Chancellor Merkel said, adding that she preferred "a policy that allows companies to stay in the country and create jobs - here, for Germany to thrive."
"Drink four or five brandies with us": Stories from the town where Merkel comes from