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Merkel is stirring up dissent against Chancellor Merz

Aspiring for leadership dominance was mutual between us

Merkel stirs up disagreement towards Chancellor Merz by opposition parties
Merkel stirs up disagreement towards Chancellor Merz by opposition parties

Merkel is stirring up dissent against Chancellor Merz

In an interview with Deutschlandfunk Kultur, former Chancellor Angela Merkel shared insights about her relationship with the likely future Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz. For many years, the relationship between Merkel and Merz had been strained, but over time, they improved their relationship tips as seen in their friendly interaction at Merkel's 70th birthday celebration and Merkel's congratulatory SMS to Merz on the victory of the Christian Democrats in the election night of February 23. Merkel and Merz's history dates back to 2000, when Merkel was elected as the CDU party leader, a photo of which was shown during the interview. The two were notably friendly with each other at a CDU celebration for Merkel's birthday in late summer. Merkel referred to herself and Merz as a 'dream team' in a lighthearted manner, acknowledging their shared ambition. She stated, 'We both wanted to be the boss.' However, she did not elaborate further on the nature of their 'will for power.' Merz's ambition showed itself, and he seized the opportunity when he first assumed an internal CDU leadership position in 2018, becoming the CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag. The coalition agreement between CDU, CSU, and SPD, presented a day before Merkel's statement, marked a significant step towards his potential ascension to the Chancellorship. The incumbent Chancellor of Germany is now Friedrich Merz, who was sworn in on May 6, 2025. As he takes on this role, Merkel's reflections on their past relationship offer a unique perspective on the transition of power within the CDU.

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