In 2002 , Stoiber removed the leader of the CDU , Angela Merkel , and was made the joint CDU\/CSU 's candidate for the office of chancellor , with Gerhard SchrÃ der ( SPD ) as opponent . In 2002 , Stoiber politically out-maneuvered the leader of the CDU , Angela Merkel , and was elected the CDU\/CSU 's candidate for the office of chancellor , challenging Gerhard SchrÃ der .