Chance for Friedrich Merz to be Germany's Chancellor in 2025
Persons Arriving Late Yet Exhibiting Resilience
Ready to take the reins as Chancellor, it seems Friedrich Merz is set to make his dream of a significant political career a reality. This could well happen in 2025. The odds appear to be in Merz's favor, given the 16-year reign of Angela Merkel that once stood in his path. In 2002, Merkel ousted Merz in a power struggle, but now it's a new ball game.
In 2009, Merz chose to step back from the federal election and left parliament. But now, he's back, leading the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and eying the top spot.
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...and here's a lowdown on what's been happening:
The Road Ahead for Merz
Merz clinched the leadership of the CDU in January 2022, a move crucial for his bid to become Chancellor. He's been leading the party's negotiations and policy making ever since.
In early April 2025, Merz secured a coalition agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Social Union (CSU). This deal was necessary to avoid partnering with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The SPD's members approved the deal in late April, with a resounding 84.6% voting in favor. This clear approval was a crucial step toward Merz's election as Chancellor. The Bundestag is set to elect Merz as Chancellor on May 6, 2025.
The Hurdles Merz Faces
Merz isn't without challenges. His popularity has been on a downturn, with recent polls indicating low trust and leadership approval ratings. Moreover, he's faced criticism for seeming to cooperate with the AfD on migration issues, despite denying it. These hurdles will be crucial factors in his tenure as Chancellor.
The Agenda for the New Government
The incoming coalition government intends to focus on several key areas:- Economic Growth: Spur economic development in Germany.- Defense Spending: Increase defense expenditure.- Migration Policy: Adopt a tougher stance on migration.- European Integration: Enhance Germany's role within the European Union.
Friedrich Merz secured the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in January 2022, a stepping stone towards his ambition to become Chancellor. Following a coalition agreement with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Christian Social Union (CSU) in early April 2025, the SPD's members voted in favor of the deal with 84.6% approving, paving the way for Merz's potential election as Chancellor on May 6, 2025. However, his popularity has been waning, with low trust and leadership approval ratings in recent polls, and he has faced criticism for perceived cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) on migration issues. Despite these challenges, the incoming government plans to focus on economic growth, increased defense spending, adopting a tougher stance on migration, and enhancing Germany's role within the European Union.
