Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure in German politics, faced a historic setback on May 6, 2025, as he attempted to secure the chancellorship for the first time. The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) was unable to garner the necessary votes in the first ballot of the Bundestag, receiving only 310 of the required 316 votes. This unprecedented failure marked him as the first chancellor candidate in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany to not be elected in the initial voting round. Despite the setback, he was eventually elected as the tenth Chancellor of Germany in a second ballot, albeit narrowly.
The political landscape leading up to this moment was fraught with uncertainty and skepticism, particularly towards the coalition government formed by the CDU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). Merz's inability to secure a majority in the first round not only reflected a lack of support within his own coalition but also highlighted the growing discontent among voters regarding the current political climate.
Merz, born in 1955 in Brilon, comes from a family of lawyers. The eldest of four children, he has been married to Charlotte Merz since 1981. Together, they have three children: two daughters and a son, along with seven grandchildren. Charlotte Merz, who is also a lawyer and currently serves as the director of the Arnsberg District Court, has been a steadfast supporter of her husband throughout his political career.
On the day of the election, Charlotte and their daughters, Carola Clüsener and Constanze Merz, were present in the gallery of the Bundestag, watching anxiously as the votes were counted. The initial joy of the family quickly turned to disappointment when the results were announced, leading to a somber atmosphere as they processed the unexpected outcome. Charlotte Merz, who has publicly defended her husband against accusations of holding conservative views on women and family, stated in February that he has always supported her career, believing it was right for her to work.
Friedrich Merz's journey in politics has not been without controversy. He first entered the political arena as a member of the CDU and quickly rose to prominence, becoming the chairman of the Young Union in Brilon. However, he faced significant challenges, including a notable power struggle with Angela Merkel at the beginning of the millennium, which ultimately sidelined him from the political scene for many years. His return to politics in 2018 was marked by ambitious plans for the CDU.
During his career, Merz has been involved in various capacities, including serving as the chairman of the supervisory board for the German branch of BlackRock from 2016 to 2020. His resignation from the position in February 2020 coincided with a growing public scrutiny over his lobbying activities. Critics have pointed out his conservative stances, particularly regarding women's rights and the issue of abortion. In November 2024, he referred to the demand for decriminalizing abortion as an "affront," and he has consistently opposed proposals for a gender-balanced cabinet.
Additionally, his past voting record has come under scrutiny. Notably, in 1997, he voted against a bill aimed at including marital rape in the penal code, a decision he later expressed regret over, stating, "I would vote differently today." This admission, however, has not completely alleviated concerns regarding his views on gender issues.
Merz's political style has also attracted attention. He has been criticized for his traditional views and has faced backlash for his comments on various social issues. For instance, in October 2024, he dismissed the idea of a gender-balanced cabinet, citing the example of former SPD defense minister Christine Lambrecht as a "gross miscasting." Critics have pointed out that while he has been vocal against the AfD (Alternative for Germany), he controversially voted alongside them on a motion regarding a "5-point plan" for migration in January 2025, a move that many viewed as a significant shift in CDU policy.
Despite the controversies, Merz has maintained a significant presence in German politics, standing at 1.96 meters tall, which adds to his commanding presence. He resides in a house in Arnsberg with his wife and owns a holiday home at the Bavarian Tegernsee. His financial portfolio is noteworthy, with an estimated net worth of around twelve million euros, bolstered by his political salary and previous corporate roles.
As he embarks on his chancellorship, Friedrich Merz faces the daunting task of uniting a fractured coalition and addressing the growing skepticism among voters. His ability to navigate these challenges will be critical for his administration moving forward, especially in light of the recent election results that have cast a shadow over his leadership.
In the days following his election, Merz will need to rally support not only from his party but also from the public, who are increasingly wary of the traditional political structures. As he steps into the role of Chancellor, the eyes of Germany will be on him to see how he addresses the pressing issues facing the nation, from economic challenges to social reforms.
