BERLIN—Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to step down from her party’s chair this week started a race whose outcome will shape Germany’s political direction. Three candidates have thrown their hat into the ring, all described as more conservative than Ms. Merkel. Others may join later—or pull out—but the winner, to be picked by party delegates at a convention in early December, will most likely stand as the Christian Democratic Union’s next candidate for the chancellery.

Source: Wall Street Journal October 30, 2018 19:22 UTC