CDU’s comeback: Friedrich Merz set to become Germany’s next chancellor

Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz is poised to take charge of the nation after his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), secured the largest vote share in the country’s general elections, defeating Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). According to official results, the CDU and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), won 28.5% of the votes, outperforming the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured 20.7%. On Sunday evening, as his party celebrated its victory, Merz reassured his supporters, stating: “Germany will once more be governed reliably.”

Who is Friedrich Merz?

Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Germany, Friedrich Merz comes from a family with a strong legal background. He pursued law studies in 1976 and has been a member of CDU since 1972. Merz married Charlotte Merz, a fellow lawyer and now a judge, in 1981. The couple has three children.

Merz’s political journey

Merz began his political career in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament. In 1994, he entered Germany’s Bundestag, winning an absolute majority in the Hochsauerlandkreis constituency. His influence grew within the CDU, and in 2000, he became the party’s parliamentary leader. However, he lost this position to Angela Merkel in 2002. Facing political setbacks in 2005, Merz gradually found himself sidelined and decided to leave active politics in 2009, shifting his focus to a successful career in law and finance.

Merz’s political comeback

After Merkel announced her retirement in 2018, Merz attempted a political comeback but lost the race to succeed her to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. In 2020, when Kramp-Karrenbauer stepped down, he again missed out on CDU’s leadership as Armin Laschet was chosen instead. However, in 2021, Merz finally returned to the German parliament, though his party suffered an electoral defeat. His persistence paid off in 2022, when he was elected CDU’s national chairman, paving the way for his rise to power in 2024.

Challenges ahead: Coalition formation & policy promises

While Merz has secured an election victory, he now faces the major challenge of forming a coalition government to consolidate power. His key promises include: Strict immigration policies targeting undocumented migrants. Economic revival strategies to boost Germany’s financial stability. As Germany transitions into new conservative leadership, all eyes will be on Friedrich Merz’s ability to build alliances and deliver on his agenda.