Residents in Friedrich Merz's district, western Germany, anticipate their potential future chancellor, with descriptions ranging from "tenacious" to "solid," yet some deem him "too radical."
In Brilon, Friedrich Merz's Hometown, Expectations Run High
At 69, Friedrich Merz, a conservative heavyweight and leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to take the helm as Germany's chancellor, barring any unexpected twists. After failing to secure the chancellorship in the initial round on May 6, Merz must contend with another vote. With 17 ministers by his side, he's pledged to concentrate on internal security and the economy. The town of Brilon, where Merz serves as a parliament member, brims with anticipation for the upcoming chancellor.
Located an hour's drive from Dortmund, and born in this picturesque town of 26,000 inhabitants in western Germany, Merz has won admiration with 47.7% of the votes in the legislative elections, a near landslide victory. Margrit, a 69-year-old resident with a shopping basket, stands before the town square's fruit and vegetable stall. "Our chancellor was too quiet and composed," she admits, " But Merz brings a breath of fresh air. His assertiveness might sometimes be overwhelming, but it could be just what we need."
Uli Schröder, a friend of Merz's from childhood, runs a restaurant across the street from the imposing family home where Merz's relatives still reside. Schröder believes Merz is the ideal candidate for the job. "He's exceptionally knowledgeable about economics and boasts a formidable network, particularly in the US and France. I believe these strengths will prove advantageous, especially for Europe. And Merz is a relentless go-getter. He's always expressed a desire to become chancellor since his childhood."
With the far-right gaining ground, Merz's leadership takes on added significance. Among his priorities are economic revival and immigration control, which Gabi, enjoying a hot chocolate near the town hall with a friend, views skeptically. "He keeps harping on about foreigners and his attempts to curb immigration don't sit well with me." Gabi voices her concerns, while Birgit, 64, implores Merz and his prospective coalition to keep Germany's growing far-right at bay. "If they falter, the far-right tide in Germany will crest."
In February's legislative elections, the far-right garnered 16% of the votes in the district, more than doubling its score from 2021. Merz's stance on the far-right remains to be seen, but conservative leaders in Germany typically steer a delicate course by appealing to traditional voters without engaging with extremist groups.
Merz's economic policies aim to boost competitiveness, while his stance on immigration tends towards conservative viewpoints without explicit support for far-right positions. To gain a clearer understanding of Merz's recent policies and opinions, additional sources are recommended.
- The expectations in Brilon, Friedrich Merz's hometown, are high, as he aims to become Germany's chancellor, despite facing another vote.
- Margrit, a resident of Brilon, believes Merz, the CDU leader, brings a breath of fresh air to politics, though his assertiveness might be overwhelming.
- Uli Schröder, a childhood friend of Merz, applauds his knowledge about economics and network, particularly in the US and France, which he believes will prove advantageous, especially for Europe.
- Gabi, a resident of Brilon, voices skepticism over Merz's focus on immigration control, finding his views on foreigners unsettling.
- Birgit, another resident, expresses concern about the growing far-right in Germany and urges Merz and his potential coalition to keep extremist groups at bay, as the far-right gained significantly more votes in the recent elections than in 2021.
