Kommentar: Warum die Kanzlergerüchte für Wüst zum immer größeren Risiko werden
Der NRW-Ministerpräsident kann seine Aufwertung zum Reservekanzler nur bedingt genießen. Die Wechselgerüchte bringen ihn in eine schwierige Lage, die sich bald noch verschärfen könnte.
The German media are calling Hendrik Wüst "chancellor-in-waiting," a description that should be a source of pride for any German politician. However, for the North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President, these chancellor rumors have become an increasing liability.
On one hand, Wüst is receiving an upgrade, which has opened doors for him during his Turkey trip, including meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On the other hand, these rumors are being felt in Turkey as well. As a regional leader, Wüst's influence is waning. Every comment or gesture is scrutinized for signs of suitability for the chancellor role.
Wüst is caught in a difficult situation: he cannot focus on the upcoming Landtag election in his home state of North Rhine-Westphalia in April, as he is constantly asked about his succession plans to replace Friedrich Merz. He cannot withdraw completely from politics. A North Rhine-Westphalia Minister-President who excludes federal ambitions is perceived as too weak. However, Wüst cannot be too aggressive either. Voters in North Rhine-Westphalia are not looking for a readily available state leader.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
