BERLIN — Friedrich Merz is poised to become the 10th chancellor of Germany since World War II, a reflection of his extensive political journey that was once overshadowed by the prominent Angela Merkel.
The 69-year-old leader of the center-right Union bloc, which secured 28.6% of the national vote in recent elections, is best positioned to establish a new government. Speculation points toward a coalition with the Social Democrats, who have faced criticism while leading an unpopular coalition since 2021 alongside two other parties.
Merz has committed to prioritizing European unity against the challenges posed by Russia and the current U.S. administration under President Trump.
Although Merz has had to wait for his chance at high office, his background as a lawyer has provided him with robust experience. Yet, he enters the chancellery without prior governmental service, having faced a setback when former Chancellor Angela Merkel emerged as a dominant force in the early 2000s.
The dynamic between Merz and Merkel has been complex. Merkel praised his eloquence and ambition but noted that their shared desire for leadership created friction between them. In her memoir, she wrote about their contrasting upbringings, stating that their similar age did not bridge their divergent paths in politics.
After the Union’s narrow loss in the 2002 national election, Merkel solidified her control over Germany’s center-right by sidelining Merz from leadership roles. She ultimately remained in power from 2005 until 2021.
Following his exit from parliament in 2009, Merz stepped away from active politics for several years, during which he practiced law and led the German branch of BlackRock. He traveled extensively for business but never resided outside Germany. Observers have suggested that he may bring an international perspective to leadership, given his varied experiences abroad.
Merz resumed his political career after Merkel announced her retirement from CDU leadership in 2018, despite initial setbacks in party elections against more centrist candidates. He ultimately prevailed in 2021, following the center-right’s defeat in the national election, and also took up leadership of the Union’s parliamentary faction.
Unlike previous political strategies focused on avoiding conflict, Merz believes that provoking debate can foster progress within political discourse. During his campaign, he pledged to revitalize Germany’s struggling economy and address irregular immigration.
With Trump reinstated in the White House and intensified tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict, Merz emphasized the necessity of European unity, stating that addressing external pressures would be his top priority as chancellor. He remarked to supporters about the considerable pressures from the United States and the urgency for a cohesive Europe.
Merz highlighted immigration reform in his campaign after a tragedy in which a migrant perpetrated a knife attack in Aschaffenburg, consequently introducing a motion to parliament aimed at stricter border enforcement measures. This proposal attracted the support of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), leading to accusations from his opponents that he was compromising democratic integrity. This incident also drew public protests and criticism, including a rebuke from Merkel.
Despite the controversy, Merz asserted that he has not collaborated with the AfD and promised not to do so in the future if he assumes office.
Merz’s roots lie in rural Germany, where he represents a constituency characterized by pragmatic and grounded values. His family-oriented approach is reflected in his life; he met his wife, Charlotte—a judge—during his law studies, and together they have three children.
Becoming a member of the CDU in 1972, Merz served in the European Parliament starting in 1989 before entering the Bundestag in 1994.
Beyond his political endeavors, Merz is an avid pilot, often flying his small aircraft to Berlin from his home in the Sauerland region on Mondays. His dedication to flying, despite his rigorous schedule and some public criticism, highlights his passion for this hobby, which he associates with a sense of freedom.
“When you talk to him about flying, his eyes light up,” noted a biographer. “He believes that being above the clouds represents true freedom.”
Conservative chief Friedrich Merz aims for Germany’s highest position following a fluctuating career.
