Friedrich Merz’s rise in politics has been nothing short of a rollercoaster.
Just when it seemed like his chance to lead Germany had slipped away, the 69-year-old has managed to make a remarkable comeback.
With his party, the CDU, leading in recent polls for the upcoming election, Merz could soon realize his lifelong dream of becoming Chancellor of Germany.
A Bumpy Road to the Top
Merz’s political career has had its ups and downs.
Once a prominent figure in Germany’s conservative CDU, he took a major step back from politics nearly 20 years ago after a fierce rivalry with Angela Merkel.
During that time, he seemed to have lost his shot at leading the country.
However, after years away from the political spotlight—where he worked in the private sector and became a wealthy businessman—Merz is now in the running again.
Early Years and Political Roots
Born in 1955 in what was then West Germany, Merz showed an early interest in politics.
As a teenager, he joined the CDU’s youth wing, driven by a strong anti-communist stance.
He briefly served in the military before studying law, ultimately opting for a career in politics.
By 1989, Merz had earned a seat in the European Parliament, and just five years later, he became a member of the Bundestag.
There, he quickly gained recognition as a leading figure in the CDU’s pro-business, right-leaning faction.
Power Struggles and Setbacks
Merz’s ambitions for party leadership clashed with Angela Merkel’s more centrist vision, leading to a bitter rivalry.
Ultimately, Merkel’s allies prevailed, and Merz took a step back from active politics, criticizing her leadership as lackluster.
After leaving parliament in 2009, he ventured into the private sector, working as a lawyer and taking leadership roles in various corporate boards.
His time away from politics allowed him to build his wealth and reputation.
A Comeback Attempt
When Merkel announced her retirement in 2018, Merz saw an opening to return.
He ran for leadership of the CDU but failed twice.
However, after the party suffered a major loss in the 2021 elections, Merz finally took the reins as party leader.
Since then, he has worked to shift the CDU away from Merkel’s centrist policies, especially on immigration.
Shifting Policies and Controversies
Under Merz’s leadership, the CDU has moved away from Merkel’s more liberal approach, especially on issues like migration.
Merz has distanced himself from the former Chancellor’s policies of allowing large numbers of refugees to settle in Germany.
This shift has sparked controversy, including a vote where Merz sided with the far-right AfD on an immigration bill, something many saw as a break in Germany’s political norms.
Despite the backlash, Merz continues to push his right-wing agenda.
Economic Challenges and Potential Reforms
Germany’s economy, once the engine of Europe, has faced stagnation, particularly after the outbreak of the Ukraine war.
Under the leadership of current Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the economy has struggled to recover.
Merz has suggested removing Germany’s strict “debt brake” to free up funds for infrastructure investment, which could potentially breathe new life into Germany’s aging infrastructure.
Relationship with the U.S. and Trump
Merz has often described himself as an Atlanticist, with a strong connection to the United States.
Having visited America over 100 times, Merz is a staunch critic of former President Trump.
In fact, he has been vocal in criticizing Trump’s views on Europe and Ukraine, accusing the U.S. leader of not caring about Europe’s interests.
The Task Ahead: Coalition Building
With the February 2025 election results, Merz now faces the challenge of forming a government, which may take weeks or even months.
He has ruled out any partnership with the far-right AfD, and the most likely coalition is one between the CDU and the SPD, forming a “grand coalition.”
Other potential coalitions include the “Kenya coalition,” which would bring the Greens into the mix, or a “Jamaica coalition” with the FDP and CDU.
A Family Man Beyond Politics
Outside of politics, Merz has been married to Charlotte Gass since 1981, and together they have three children.
Aside from his political career, Merz is an avid aviator and, despite his wife’s initial resistance, now reportedly owns two private jets.
With a turbulent past and a future filled with political negotiations, Friedrich Merz’s journey to the chancellery is far from over—but after decades of setbacks and comebacks, he may finally be on the cusp of realizing his long-held ambition.
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