Armin Laschet: is the conservative alliance pick ‘too nice’ to be Germany’s next chancellor?

CDU leader may radiate jovial continuity' but polls suggest many voters doubt his suitability to succeed Angela Merkel

It is often said of Armin Laschet that he never even wanted to go into politics, but ended up joining the CDU only due to the persistent persuasion of an acquaintance. Four decades on, he is the leader of Germany's most populous state, leader of the Christian Democrats and the conservative alliance's candidate for chancellor.

If the CDU - which has governed Germany for 51 of the past 71 years - wins September's federal election, he will step into Angela Merkel's shoes as the leader of Europe's largest economy.