Merkel draws up battle lines before 2017 election bid

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will outline her battle strategy on Tuesday to counter a wave of populism that has consumed key allies abroad, as she launches into campaign mode for next year’s elections.

Merkel, who has led Germany for 11 years, last month confirmed she would run for a fourth term but acknowledged that the election would be “more difficult” than any other she has contested.

Party faithful from her centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) gathering for a two-day annual congress in the western city of Essen are expected to overwhelmingly re-elect Merkel as party chief, rallying behind her bid to stay in power.

During the last party vote in 2014, Merkel garnered 96.7 per cent of support and this week’s ballot will be closely scrutinised for any sign of dissent.

“I’m counting on an honest result,” she told public broadcaster ARD, as national media suggested that any score below 90 per cent would be a slap in the face. Crucially, she will also be grilled on how she plans to stop the populist anti-Islam AfD from further eroding the party’s supporter base.

The CDU has suffered setbacks in five consecutive state polls as voters punish Merkel for her liberal refugee policy, with more than a million people seeking asylum in Germany last year.

There have been questions about whether the 62-year-old has fresh ideas to offer in a world upended by Brexit, the surprise election of Donald Trump and the departure of Italian Prime Minister following a crushing referendum defeat championed by populists.