Christian Democrats take over 37% of the vote in North Rhine-Westphalia; drubbing comes amid criticism of chancellor's stance on war in Ukraine and tackling of pandemic fallout

Center-right Christian Democratic Union's new chair previously served as opposition leader when he led the party in early 2000s

Christian Democratic Union, Social Democratic Party and Greens present new agreement on ministerial positions and major policies

Stephan Ernst sentenced to life in prison for 2019 shooting of Walter Luebcke over his outspoken views on helping asylum seekers

Armin Laschet beats out more conservative rival in leadership vote; vows continuity, says party will only win September election 'if we remain strong in the middle of society'

Office inaugurated by North Rhine-Westphalia's minister-president Armin Laschet, leading contender to succeed Chancellor Angela Merkel as head of country's ruling party

After fiasco caused by election of Thuringia's new leader with AfD support, Merkel's party agrees to support reelection of previous state governor, Bodo Ramelow

Critics say government concentrated solely on Islamists for too long as investigations reveal that extremist groups recruit members of security forces who are armed and trained

As power shifts, some CDU politicians push for tie-ups with AfD on a regional level, while others look at ways to ban any attempt to cooperate with anti-migrant party