Newly elected chancellor, Merz, assumes leadership in Germany.
New Chancellor Friedrich Merz Takes Office in Germany
On May 6, 2025, the conservative leader Friedrich Merz was sworn in as Germany's new chancellor. Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Merz has a rich background, having served in the European Parliament (1989–1994) and the German Bundestag (1994–2009). He currently leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU).
Merz secured 325 votes in the second round of voting in the Bundestag on May 6. Unable to gain an absolute majority in the first round, the voting process was secret. Following his election, Merz took the oath of office in the German parliament and appointed his new Cabinet, which includes 17 ministers.
Germany, a significant supporter of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, has provided military aid worth 28 billion euros ($32 billion). Merz has promised to continue aiding Ukraine, expressing support for sending Taurus cruise missiles in conjunction with Germany's allies.
While Merz's stance on the Taurus cruise missiles is not explicitly stated, he has emphasized Germany's need for greater responsibility in European security and continued military support for Ukraine[1][2][3]. As outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously blocked such deliveries due to concerns of escalation, Merz's position may represent a shift in Germany's defense policy.
[1] Enrichment Data: Friedrich Merz's Background and Political Views
[2] Enrichment Data: Merz's Plans for Europe and Ukraine
[3] Enrichment Data: Merz's International Experience
- Following his election as Germany's new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, who currently leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), secured 325 votes in the second round of voting in the Bundestag on May 6.
- Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Merz has a rich background, having served in the European Parliament (1989–1994) and the German Bundestag (1994–2009), and he has promised to continue aiding Ukraine, expressing support for sending Taurus cruise missiles in conjunction with Germany's allies.
- Germany, a significant supporter of Ukraine, has provided military aid worth 28 billion euros ($32 billion) since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and Merz's position on the Taurus cruise missiles may represent a shift in Germany's defense policy, as outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously blocked such deliveries due to concerns of escalation.
