Germany is set to witness a political shift as conservative leader Friedrich Merz prepares to take charge after his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), secured the largest vote share in the country’s general elections. This victory marks a significant defeat for Olaf Scholz’s centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD).
CDU-CSU Bloc Emerges Victorious
Merz’s CDU, in alliance with its sister party Christian Social Union (CSU), clinched 28.5% of the votes, emerging as the strongest political force. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) gained 20.7% of the vote share, as reported by German broadcaster ARD.
Speaking to his supporters after the results, Merz promised a stable and reliable government, stating, “Germany will once more be governed reliably.”
Who is Friedrich Merz?
Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Germany, Merz hails from a family with a deep-rooted legal background. He pursued law in 1976 and has been affiliated with the CDU since 1972. In 1981, he married fellow lawyer Charlotte Merz, now a judge, and they share three children.
His political journey began in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament. In 1994, he secured a seat in the Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, by winning an absolute majority in the Hochsauerlandkreis constituency.
Rise, Exit, and Comeback in Politics
Merz held key positions within the CDU, even serving as the party’s parliamentary leader in 2000. However, he lost that position to Angela Merkel in 2002. Following a political setback in 2005, when the CDU/CSU formed a government with the SPD, he found himself sidelined and quit active politics in 2009 to build a career in law and finance.
However, in 2018, he re-entered the political scene after Merkel announced her retirement. He lost his first two bids for party leadership but finally succeeded in 2022, becoming the CDU’s national chairman.
Challenges Ahead for Merz
Merz has built his campaign on strict immigration policies and revitalising Germany’s economy. However, his biggest challenge now is forming a coalition government to consolidate power and effectively lead Germany into a new political era.
