Friedrich Merz is on track to become Germany’s next chancellor, with his party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and its Bavarian affiliate, the Christian Social Union (CSU), maintaining a strong lead in the polls.
With the election just days away, Merz’s leadership would mark a decisive shift from the policies of former CDU leader Angela Merkel, whose centrist approach defined German politics for over a decade.
Merz, 69, is a seasoned politician and business executive, known for his pro-business stance, scepticism towards extensive climate policies, and hardline immigration views.
His leadership bid signals a potential return to a more conservative economic agenda, with proposals to cut corporate taxes, streamline bureaucracy, and foster private investment.
Ein für alle Mal. #TVDuell
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His alignment with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in a recent parliamentary vote has sparked controversy, raising concerns over his approach to governance.
Friedrich Merz: a career spanning politics and business
Before re-entering politics, Merz built an extensive corporate career, serving in senior roles at BlackRock Germany, HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt, and Deutsche Börse.
His return to political leadership was years in the making, following a longstanding rivalry with Merkel that saw him resign from the CDU leadership in the early 2000s.
Since taking charge of the party in 2022, he has led the CDU-CSU opposition bloc and positioned himself as the face of a more right-leaning CDU.
„Dass die AfD überhaupt in Deutschland noch diese Rolle spielt, hängt mit Ihrer Regierung zusammen, Herr Scholz. Diese Ampel hat mit ungelöster Migration und miserabler Wirtschaftspolitik dafür gesorgt, dass diese Partei so stark werden konnte.” ™ #TVDuell
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Merz has focused his campaign on economic reforms, arguing that the current policies under Chancellor Olaf Scholz have led to stagnation.
He has vowed to overhaul Germany’s regulatory framework to support businesses and startups, proposing the creation of a dedicated ministerial position for digitalisation and AI.
While Merz advocates for fiscal discipline, he has indicated that he is open to reforming Germany’s strict debt brake rule, which restricts government borrowing.
This suggests a potential departure from the CDU’s traditionally rigid stance on state spending, as economic pressures mount.
Friedrich Merz’s immigration policies
Merz’s hardline stance on immigration has been a defining aspect of his leadership, pushing for tighter border controls, increased deportations, and stricter asylum policies.
He has linked relaxed migration laws to security risks, a narrative that has gained traction among conservative voters but has drawn criticism from political opponents.
In January, his non-binding motion on immigration gained unexpected support from the far-right AfD, marking the first time a legislative move backed by the CDU-CSU bloc succeeded with AfD votes.
This development sparked a backlash from centrists and further strained relations within Germany’s political establishment, with Merkel publicly condemning his engagement with the AfD.
Merz’s approach reflects a broader shift within European centre-right parties, where leaders have increasingly adopted tougher migration policies in response to electoral pressures from nationalist movements.
His willingness to collaborate with far-right lawmakers has raised concerns about the CDU’s direction under his leadership.
Friedrich Merz’s foreign policy
On foreign policy, Merz has called for Germany to take a stronger leadership role in Europe, particularly in response to the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference last weekend, he stressed the need for continued military aid to Kyiv while urging European allies to take a more decisive stance on security.
His position on defence spending remains ambiguous, as Germany faces mounting pressure from NATO to increase military funding.
While he has avoided committing to specific budgetary changes, his rhetoric suggests a shift towards a more assertive foreign policy compared to Scholz’s cautious approach.
As Germany approaches a pivotal election, Merz’s leadership would mark a significant shift from the Merkel era, with potential policy changes spanning economic reforms, immigration controls, and defence priorities.
While his pro-business agenda has resonated with conservative voters, his association with the far-right remains a contentious issue that could define the CDU’s future direction.
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