In a significant political move, North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister-President Hendrik Wüst has withdrawn from the race for the Union's chancellor candidacy, throwing his support behind CDU leader Friedrich Merz.

Wüst, who was considered a strong contender, emphasized the importance of unity within the party to challenge the current government in the upcoming 2025 federal elections.

He urged the CDU and its sister party, the CSU, to rally behind Merz, highlighting Merz's ability to unite the party and strengthen its opposition stance.

Wüst's decision is seen as a strategic effort to avoid the internal conflicts that plagued the party during the 2021 elections.

The final decision on the Union's candidate is yet to be made, but Wüst's endorsement significantly boosts Merz's prospects.