Chancellor position granted to Merz in quick succession following unparalleled legislative loss in German parliament.
A New Dawn for Germany: Friedrich Merz Becomes Chancellor, but with a Ruffled Political Establishment
Germany has a new Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who clawed his way to the top after an unexpected defeat set the political scene alight with discontent. On Tuesday, in a hastily arranged session, 325 lawmakers voted in favor of his appointment, bestowing upon him the title he had long coveted.
Merz, who led his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party to victory in February and unveiled a ruling coalition last month, initially fell short by six votes earlier in the day. This surprising setback marked another turbulent chapter in Germany's prolonged phase of uncertainty. However, by the afternoon, Merz was officially sworn in as Chancellor at the Bundestag, albeit on shaky ground.
The votes that day not only highlighted reluctance within his coalition but also gifted the insurgent far-right AfD party with an opportunity to ruffle the political establishment. The situation is a far cry from the usual formality of confirming a Chancellor-in-waiting, and it remains unclear who within Merz's camp was responsible for the unexpected defeat.
Merz's term began amid domestic tension and external pressure, particularly from the increasingly interventionist Trump administration and the AfD. The AfD, which secured second place in the February poll, has been relentless in its attacks against Merz's bloc.
Merz's ambitious agenda includes pursuing an aggressive economic revitalization and strengthening EU cohesion. He is also committed to European security and has emphasized the importance of maintaining military support for Ukraine. Merz seeks to foster constructive dialogue with the U.S., with a focus on fortifying transatlantic ties.
However, Merz faces significant challenges, including rebuilding voter trust and combating the rise of the far-right in Germany. The AfD, which opposes Merz and has seized upon the parliamentary uncertainty, has even called for fresh elections.
Born in 1955 to a conservative, Catholic family in central Germany, Merz joined the CDU's youth wing while still in school. After a disputed departure from politics in 2009 due to a rivalry with Angela Merkel, Merz returned in 2021 to take control of the party.
Friedrich Merz is a seasoned politician with a diverse background. Before embarking on his political career, he trained as a lawyer and practiced with major firms. Merz is known for his transatlantic views, having previously chaired the Atlantic Bridge, a group promoting U.S.-European relations.
Sources:
- CNN, "Friedrich Merz, center, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), walks in the Konrad Adenauer House with a glass of beer in his hand in Berlin, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (Christoph Soeder/dpa via AP)"
- Politico, "Who is Friedrich Merz, Germany's new chancellor?"
- The Guardian, "Friedrich Merz: the man who could be Germany's next chancellor"
- Despite the unexpected defeat that briefly halted his journey, Friedrich Merz was elected as Germany's Chancellor, marking a turbulent shift in the country's political landscape.
- The general news has been abuzz with the political drama surrounding Merz's appointment, with the far-right AfD party capitalizing on the uncertainty to question his leadership and call for fresh elections.
- Amidst the challenges of rebuilding trust and confronting the rise of the far-right, Merz plans to pursue a political policy-and-legislation agenda focused on economic revitalization, EU cohesion, European security, and fortifying transatlantic ties, particularly with the Trump administration.
- Born into a conservative Catholic family and trained as a lawyer, Merz has eventually ascended the ranks of the CDU, demonstrating a long history in both law and politics before becoming Germany's Chancellor.
