Germany is set for a political shift as Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), prepares to take office as the country’s next chancellor. His party, alongside its Bavarian ally, the Christian Social Union (CSU), secured victory in the general elections with 28.5 per cent of the vote, defeating incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) finished in second place with 20.7 per cent, a result that has sparked discussions about the growing influence of right-wing populism in Germany. The CDU-CSU alliance’s return to power marks the end of Scholz’s short-lived government, which collapsed in November 2024 following internal divisions and widespread voter dissatisfaction.
A victory speech marking a new era
Addressing his supporters after the election results were confirmed, Merz vowed to restore stability to Germany. “Germany will once more be governed reliably,” he declared. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he stressed the urgency of forming a functioning government without prolonged coalition talks.
“I am aware of the responsibility, and I know the scale of the task that now lies ahead of us. The world out there isn’t waiting for us, and it isn’t waiting for long-drawn-out coalition talks and negotiations,” he said, calling for swift action.
Merz’s victory signals a return to conservative leadership in Germany after years of centre-left governance under Scholz and, before him, Angela Merkel’s grand coalition. His policies are expected to focus on economic revival, immigration control, and strengthening Germany’s role in Europe.
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Born on 11 November 1955 in Brilon, North Rhine-Westphalia, Friedrich Merz hails from a family of legal professionals. He pursued a law degree in 1976 before entering politics. He joined the CDU in 1972 and later married Charlotte Merz, a fellow lawyer who is now a judge. The couple has three children.
Merz’s political career began in earnest in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament. Five years later, in 1994, he secured a seat in the German Bundestag, where he quickly rose through the ranks. By 2000, he had become the CDU’s parliamentary leader, making him one of the most influential conservative politicians in Germany. However, his rise was cut short in 2002 when he lost the position to Angela Merkel.
Following Merkel’s victory in the 2005 federal elections, the CDU formed a coalition government with the SPD. Merz, finding himself sidelined, decided to step away from politics in 2009. Over the next decade, he built a successful career in the private sector, particularly in law and finance.
A political comeback
Merz’s ambitions to return to politics became clear in 2018 when Angela Merkel announced her plan to retire. He ran to succeed her as CDU leader but lost to Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer. Two years later, in 2021, he attempted another comeback after the CDU suffered a historic defeat in the federal elections. He regained a seat in the Bundestag but was unable to lead his party to victory.
In 2022, Merz finally achieved his long-sought goal of becoming the CDU’s national chairman. His leadership marked a shift towards more conservative policies, particularly on immigration and economic reform.
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Merz has been a vocal critic of Germany’s handling of undocumented migration, arguing for stricter border controls and tougher asylum policies. He has also pledged to revitalise Germany’s economy, which has faced slow growth and rising energy costs in recent years. His approach to governance is expected to contrast sharply with that of Scholz, who struggled to maintain stability within his coalition.
What comes next?
With Merz set to take office, Germany faces a period of political and economic transformation. His government is expected to prioritise economic competitiveness, national security, and closer cooperation with European allies.
The election results also reflect growing discontent with Germany’s political establishment, as seen in the strong performance of the AfD. While Merz’s victory ensures conservative leadership, the challenge remains in uniting the country and addressing pressing issues such as inflation, energy policy, and social cohesion.
As Germany embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Friedrich Merz to see whether he can fulfil his promise of stable and effective governance.
