The visit coincided with the 65th anniversary of the German-Turkish labor agreement and comes as the CDU leader is viewed as a potential successor to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. While the Financial Times has labeled him 'Germany's chancellor-in-waiting,' Wüst told ZDF that he intends to remain in his regional post until the April 2027 elections. Observers suggest his diplomatic activity in Türkiye increases political pressure on Merz amid ongoing tensions within his party.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Erdogan Hosts Wüst in First Türkiye Visit by German State Premier
Geopolitics22 days ago
Modernizing the EU-Türkiye customs union to create new economic opportunities was a primary goal for Hendrik Wüst during his recent three-day trip to Ankara. The leader of North Rhine-Westphalia, who governs 18 million people, also pressed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for easier business visas and deeper cooperation in the defense sector. Wüst’s presence at the Presidential Complex for a last-minute reception marked a break in diplomatic protocol, as Turkish heads of state do not typically meet German state premiers.
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