Merkel Party Wants Schaeuble To Stay Finance Minister

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party intends to keep Wolfgang Schaeuble as finance minister after elections on Sunday that it is expected to win, rebuffing demands from possible coalition partners for the post

BERLIN, Sept 20, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2017 ) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel's party intends to keep Wolfgang Schaeuble as finance minister after elections on Sunday that it is expected to win, rebuffing demands from possible coalition partners for the post.

"After what I've read about what the FDP wants: Anyone who wants Schaeuble as finance minister must vote CDU," tweeted Peter Tauber, general secretary of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union, late Tuesday.

The CDU and its Bavarian sister party CSU are leading polls with a strong double-digit lead over the second-placed Social Democratic Party, but are not expected to garner an absolute majority to rule alone.

The liberal, pro-business FDP is a potential partner in any future government led by Merkel, but has said it wants the coveted finance portfolio.

But Schaeuble, who turned 75 on Monday, has reportedly indicated he has no intention of relinquishing the post that he has occupied since 2009.

The hardline finance chief is greatly appreciated in Germany for his unbending stance of insisting on austerity through Europe's debt crisis. "No minister is as well-loved as Schaeuble. None is as experienced," said Bild daily on Monday.

Schaeuble is one of Merkel's most trusted and loyal allies, despite well-publicised differences they had during the financial crisis and the refugee influx. He is also the most seasoned cabinet member having held five ministerial offices since 1984 and been a member of parliament for more than 40 years.

Attending his birthday bash on Monday, Merkel hailed Schaeuble as a "man of convictions and action".