Merkel ally wins CDU party leadership battle CDU delegates react after Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer is elected head of the Christian Democratic Union. She won only 51.7% of the vote, against Angela Merkel's internal opponent, Friedrich Merz. While not all CDU delegates voted for Angela Merkel's close ally, they recognise the result of the vote, and that she has the skills to lead and unify the party.