Friedrich Merz is emerging as the leading candidate to become Germany's next chancellor, representing the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its ally, the Christian Social Union (CSU), in this year's federal elections. With a diverse career spanning politics, business, and law, Merz stands ready to guide Germany through a transformative period. As the leader of the CDU and head of the opposition CDU-CSU parliamentary group since 2022, Merz has positioned himself at the forefront of German politics.
Merz's political journey is marked by his extensive experience as a member of both the European Parliament and the German Bundestag. His leadership within the CDU-CSU coalition has been characterized by a blend of conservative values and pragmatic reforms. Merz's policy positions reveal his focus on tightening Germany's asylum and migration policies, advocating for enhanced security measures and stricter border controls to address growing concerns.
At 69 years old, Merz brings not only political acumen but also significant business expertise to his candidacy. He has held influential positions at major corporations, including BlackRock Germany and HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt. His corporate governance experience extends to serving on boards such as EY Germany, Borussia Dortmund, and the Deutsche Börse. This multifaceted background equips Merz with a unique perspective on integrating economic strategies with national policy.
Merz's legal career further underscores his comprehensive professional background. As a judge and lawyer with Mayer Brown LLP, he has honed skills in legal analysis and negotiation, complementing his political and business endeavors. His advocacy for reforming Germany's debt brake rule reflects his commitment to fiscal prudence while allowing flexibility for strategic economic growth.
A family man, Merz is married with three children, balancing his demanding professional life with personal commitments. His vision for Germany includes assuming a stronger leadership role within Europe, pushing for economic reforms to maintain competitiveness. Among his key economic proposals are lowering taxes for both individuals and corporations, as well as reducing bureaucratic hurdles to stimulate business growth and innovation.
However, Merz's views on climate policies have sparked debate. He remains skeptical about certain environmental initiatives like expanding wind turbine infrastructure. His stance on climate action highlights a cautious approach, prioritizing economic stability alongside environmental sustainability.