Friedrich Merz, a seasoned politician and leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become the country's next chancellor following his victory in the federal election on February 23. Born in 1955 in the North Rhine-Westphalia town of Brilon, Merz hails from a conservative, Catholic family. His early involvement in politics began with joining the CDU's youth wing while still in school, marking the start of a political journey that would see him rise to prominence within the party.
Merz entered politics full-time in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament at the age of 33. During his single term as a Member of European Parliament (MEP), he established a reputation for being a formidable force in financial policy. Subsequently, Merz was elected to the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, where he continued to make his mark as a leader in financial matters.
Beyond his political career, Merz has also worked as a lawyer and senior counsel at the international law firm Mayer Brown, demonstrating a diverse professional background. For many years, he has been an influential member of the CDU, holding various leadership roles, and eventually taking the helm of the party in 2022 after years of rivalry with former Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Merz's political stance is characterized by hardline views on migration and social welfare policies. He has advocated for rejecting asylum seekers arriving from other European Union member states at Germany's borders and has been critical of liberal welfare benefits. A notable controversy arose when he accused Ukrainian refugees of "social tourism," a remark he later apologized for.
"They are against… everything (that) we are, what we build up in the Federal Republic of Germany. There is no co-operation with this party," – Friedrich Merz
Regarding foreign policy, Merz supports a robust stance on aiding Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict. He has criticized the outgoing SPD-led coalition for its perceived inactivity, advocating for more decisive action. He has called for the delivery of long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, a move that the current government has refrained from over concerns of escalating involvement.
“We are on the Ukrainian side because the attack is against all of us,” – Friedrich Merz
Merz underscores his commitment to supporting Ukraine by emphasizing Europe's solidarity with the nation. He asserts that a strong Europe is essential for achieving independence from external influences and ensuring Ukraine's position in peace negotiations.
“Europe remains firmly on Ukraine’s side. Now more than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength. For a just peace, the attacked country must be part of peace negotiations,” – Friedrich Merz
“My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA,” – Friedrich Merz
Merz's leadership contrasts with what he describes as "idle" leadership and a "carpet of fog" over the country, reflecting his critique of past policies and his vision for a more assertive approach.
“idle” leadership as like a “carpet of fog” over the country, – Friedrich Merz
Merz is an advocate for revisiting Germany's approach to migration. He views the "open door" refugee policy during the 2015 migrant crisis as a significant misstep that requires reevaluation.
“open door” refugee policy during the 2015 migrant crisis as a grave error, – Friedrich Merz
In addition to his political pursuits, Merz is known for his passion for flying. As an amateur pilot, he sometimes pilots his own private plane, reflecting a personal side that complements his public persona.
As Germany's next chancellor, Merz faces numerous challenges and opportunities. His leadership will likely focus on strengthening Europe's position globally and addressing domestic issues with a firm hand. He aims to depart from previous policies that he deems ineffective and to establish Germany as a formidable force both within Europe and on the international stage.
