BERLIN — Friedrich Merz, poised to become Germany’s 10th post-World War II chancellor following the national election, has pledged to prioritize European unity and security amid challenges posed by the new Trump administration and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Merz faces the challenge of forming a coalition government with the center-left Social Democrats, led by outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Despite the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party securing second place, Merz has repeatedly ruled out any collaboration with them.
The 69-year-old conservative leads the center-right Union bloc, which emerged victorious with 28.5% of the vote.
“I’m fully aware of the scale of the task ahead,” Merz told supporters after his victory on Sunday night. “The world isn’t waiting for us—and it won’t wait through lengthy coalition negotiations.”
A Rivalry with Merkel
Merz’s journey to the chancellery has been long and marked by rivalry with former Chancellor Angela Merkel. The two clashed in the early 2000s as Merkel consolidated her leadership over Germany’s center-right, eventually pushing Merz aside as parliamentary group leader. She went on to govern Germany from 2005 to 2021.
Reflecting on their relationship, Merkel described Merz as a talented speaker with a strong desire to lead—qualities she admitted were a source of friction. “From the start, the problem was that we both wanted to be the boss,” she wrote in her memoir, Freedom.
Stepping Away from Politics
After leaving parliament in 2009, Merz stepped away from active politics, building a career as a lawyer and serving as chairman of investment giant BlackRock’s German operations. His business ventures often took him to the United States and China, although he never lived abroad.
“Friedrich Merz is perhaps Germany’s most internationally connected chancellor since World War II—if he secures the role,” said Volker Resing, author of Friedrich Merz: His Path to Power.
Merz’s political philosophy emphasizes individual initiative, personal freedom, creativity, and motivation—resorting to state intervention only as a secondary measure, Resing added.
Political Comeback
Merz re-entered politics after Merkel stepped down as CDU leader in 2018. Despite narrowly losing two leadership contests to more centrist candidates aligned with Merkel’s approach, he persisted. On his third attempt, Merz was elected party leader after the center-right’s defeat to Olaf Scholz’s Social Democrats in 2021. Consolidating his influence, he also became leader of the Union’s parliamentary group.
Known for his direct and sometimes provocative style, Merz believes that “a certain level of provocation can spark meaningful debate and real progress,” according to Resing.
Campaign Priorities
During his campaign, Merz promised to revive Germany’s struggling economy and tighten immigration laws. With Donald Trump back in the White House and tensions escalating over Ukraine, Merz—who has long championed strong transatlantic ties—emphasized the need to unify Europe against pressures from both the U.S. and Russia.
“I have no illusions about what’s happening in America,” Merz told supporters after his victory. “The pressure we face is immense. My absolute priority is to foster unity in Europe.”
Controversy Over Immigration
Merz’s hardline stance on immigration became a flashpoint during the campaign, especially after a migrant fatally stabbed two people in the Bavarian city of Aschaffenburg last month. He introduced a parliamentary motion calling for stricter border controls, which passed with support from the far-right AfD—a move that sparked accusations of breaking the unwritten rule against working with the party.
Despite backlash from critics, including Merkel, and mass protests against both the motion and the rise of the far right, Merz denied collaborating with AfD and vowed never to form a coalition with them.
Rooted in Rural Traditions
Merz represents a rural constituency in western Germany’s Sauerland region, known for its down-to-earth and reserved character—qualities that have shaped his own political approach, Resing noted. He has consistently championed conservative values, emphasizing family and community.
Merz met his wife, Charlotte, now a judge, during law school. The couple has three adult children.
A Passion for Flying
Aviation is Merz’s favorite pastime. He often pilots his small plane from Sauerland to Berlin on Monday mornings—despite criticism that it reflects a wealthy man’s hobby.
“His eyes light up when he talks about flying,” said Resing. “He says that being above the clouds feels like freedom.”
