Merkel's party chooses new leader ahead of German election

BERLIN (AP)  German Chancellor Angela Merkels center-right party is choosing a new leader this weekend. Saturday’s decision will help shape German voters choice of a successor to Merkel at the helm of the European Unions biggest economy after her 16-year reign. Merkel stepped down as leader of the Christian Democratic Union in 2018 and said she wouldnt seek a fifth term as chancellor. Her successor announced her resignation last February after failing to impose her authority on the party  setting off a new race for the job and potentially the chance to run for chancellor in Germanys Sept. 26 election. There are three main candidates: conservative-leaning Friedrich Merz, more liberal state governor Armin Laschet and prominent lawmaker Norbert Roettgen.