CDU's Derya Altunok Challenges Haldenwang for Wuppertal Candidacy

Altunok reverses her withdrawal after widespread encouragement, setting up a contest with the former intelligence chief for the Bundestag nomination.

Derya Altunok, a 35-year-old CDU politician, has announced her candidacy for the Bundestag seat in Wuppertal, reversing her earlier decision to step aside.
Her decision follows significant support from CDU members, local residents, and encouragement from CDU federal board member Serap Güler.
Thomas Haldenwang, the former head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency, is also vying for the CDU nomination in the same constituency.
Altunok informed Haldenwang of her decision prior to making it public, with both candidates agreeing to support the winner in the upcoming campaign.
The Wuppertal CDU faces internal divisions over the sudden backing of Haldenwang by local party leadership, complicating the race ahead of the official nomination meeting on November 30.