BERLIN—Conservative leader Friedrich Merz is poised to become Germany’s new chancellor, marking a new chapter in the nation’s post-World War II leadership. On Wednesday, Merz finalized an agreement to form a government, setting him on the path to succeed outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The 69-year-old Merz has pledged to strengthen European unity and ensure the continent’s security amidst global challenges, including the current U.S. administration under Donald Trump and ongoing conflicts such as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Emerging as the top choice from Germany’s February 23 election, Merz’s Union bloc secured a parliamentary majority by forming a coalition with the Social Democrats. He has acted swiftly, pushing for increased defense spending, particularly in light of new tariffs from the U.S. under Trump’s leadership that disrupted markets. Merz now faces the daunting task of addressing a leadership vacuum and developing a cohesive response to recent shifts in U.S. policies that have strained relations across the Atlantic.
Merz’s path to leadership has been a winding one, with his career initially hindered by former Chancellor Angela Merkel in the early 2000s. A lawyer by training, Merz temporarily left active politics, a move that saw him step away from government roles despite significant political experience.
The relationship between Merz and Merkel was marked by tension, as both had aspirations of leadership. Merkel, who praised Merz’s oratory skills and leadership ambition, noted in her memoir “Freedom” that their ambition was a point of contention. After the Union party’s narrow loss in the 2002 elections, Merkel took the reins of the parliamentary group leadership and later served as Chancellor from 2005 to 2021.
Following his exit from parliament in 2009, Merz took a hiatus from front-line politics. He pursued a career in law and served on the supervisory board of BlackRock’s German arm, gaining international experience through business trips to the U.S. and China. This global exposure led Volker Resing, biographer of “Friedrich Merz: His Path to Power,” to speculate that Merz could be the most internationally oriented chancellor Germany has had since 1945.
Merz revived his political career following Merkel’s announcement in 2018 that she would not seek another term. Although he faced setbacks in leadership contests, perseverance led to his election as party leader in his third attempt after the party’s defeat by Scholz in 2021. As a leader known for welcoming robust debate, Merz aims to rejuvenate Germany’s economic landscape and address immigration controls.
Amidst rising tensions over Ukraine and Trump’s return to power, Merz prioritizes unifying Europe to tackle challenges from both the U.S. and Russia. His assertive stance on immigration was highlighted after attacks linked to migrants led to a parliamentary motion for stricter border controls. The motion’s passage, assisted by the far-right party AfD, fueled allegations of Merz collaborating with the controversial group—a claim he denies.
Representing a rural constituency with deep-seated conservative values, Merz advocates for family and traditional ideals. He brought these values into his personal life, marrying Charlotte, now a judge, with whom he shares three children. A CDU member since 1972, Merz has served both in the European and German parliaments and remains a dedicated advocate of conservative principles.
Outside politics, Merz indulges in his passion for flying. Often piloting his private plane from western Germany to Berlin, Resing described how aviation fuels Merz’s sense of freedom. Despite the demands of his political role and criticism of his hobby, flying remains a cherished activity, reflecting his desire for liberty—both in the skies and potentially in his leadership approach.