Why Lower Saxony Election Matters for German Chancellor MerkelAn upcoming election in the German state of Lower Saxony may affect Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chances to continue at the helm of Europe’s biggest economy. CopyFacebookXTruthGettrLinkedInTelegramEmailSaveGerman Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is also chairwoman of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU), greets delegates with Gov. of Lower Saxony David McAllister at the CDU federal party convention in Hanover, Germany, on Dec. 4, 2012. Lower Saxony is holding state election on Jan. 20, 2013, and some analysts see the election as a bellwether for general election scheduled to take place in September. Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesBy Christian Watjen1/15/2013Updated: 10/1/2015Print