His center-right bloc (CDU/CSU) had been comfortably leading in polls, with Merz positioned as the main challenger to incumbent chancellor Olaf Scholz of the center-left Social Democrats (SPD).
His election victory marks a significant comeback for Merz, who only returned to the Bundestag in 2021 after a 12-year political hiatus.
At 69, Merz will be the oldest chancellor since Konrad Adenauer, who became the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949.
Though Merz and Scholz are both lawyers, their styles differ. Merz, a imposing figure, is seen as more approachable, often with a touch of humor.
Political and Business Career Shifts
Following Angela Merkel’s rise to CDU leadership and chancellorship, Merz stepped back from politics for years, focusing more on his law career and rising in the private sector at international law firms.
Merz returned to politics in 2021, gradually rising to lead the CDU in 2022, favoring liberal economic policies and viewed as a politician willing to take political risks.
Controversial Statements
Merz has made controversial statements throughout his career, often positioning himself against liberalization of abortion, supporting nuclear power, and criticizing issues of immigration and integration.
A Shift to a More Conservative CDU
Merz advocates for a more conservative CDU, with a focus on curbing immigration and taking a firmer stance against the far right.
Before the elections, the SPD was expected to be the CDU’s most likely coalition partner, but Merz’s rhetoric has caused divisions.
This article originally discussed Friedrich Merz becoming the top candidate for the CDU. It has been updated to reflect recent developments.
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