Friedrich Merz: From Political Outsider to Potential Chancellor
Friedrich Merz, a name synonymous with resilience and ambition in German politics, stands on the cusp of a monumental achievement. After a decade and a half wandering in the wilderness of corporate boardrooms, he is poised to potentially lead the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) back to power as Chancellor, a feat that would mark the zenith of his tumultuous political career. This anticipated victory, occurring a mere three and a half years after the CDU’s defeat in the last federal election, is a testament to Merz’s tenacity and unwavering focus on reclaiming his place at the helm of German politics.
For many years, the 69-year-old Merz was considered a political relic, a figure from the past whose time had passed. Following his ousting from the leadership of the CDU parliamentary group by Angela Merkel in 2002, he sought refuge in the private sector, amassing considerable expertise in the world of finance. His work with the prominent US investment firm Blackrock solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable economic strategist.
However, Merz never truly abandoned his political aspirations. After three attempts and nearly two decades of waiting, he finally ascended to the chairmanship of the CDU following Merkel’s departure. This victory not only marked his return to the political arena but also signaled a significant shift within the CDU, a party grappling with its identity after years under Merkel’s leadership.
Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, a town nestled in the Sauerland region of Germany, Merz embarked on a career in law after completing his studies. He initially served as a judge in 1985 before transitioning to private practice as an attorney. His foray into politics began in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. In 1994, he successfully ran for a seat in the German Bundestag, representing the Hochsauerland district.
Early in his political career, Merz established himself as a staunch proponent of conservative values. His eloquence and sharp intellect quickly earned him recognition as a rising star within the CDU. He focused on financial matters and became the party’s leading expert on economic policy. In February 2000, amidst the CDU’s party funding scandal, Merz was elected as the chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, succeeding Wolfgang Schäuble with an overwhelming 96 percent of the vote.
Merz is credited with popularizing the controversial concept of a "German guiding culture" ("deutsche Leitkultur"), a notion that sparked debate about national identity and integration. In October 2003, he unveiled a radical tax reform proposal that aimed to simplify the tax system to the point where it could be explained on a beer mat. However, Merz has since distanced himself from this idea, quipping, "The beer mat is dead. Forget the beer mat."
The sting of being ousted from his position as parliamentary leader by Angela Merkel in 2002 likely lingers with Merz to this day. After serving in the Bundestag until 2009, he retreated from the political stage and dedicated himself to his legal career and his involvement in various corporate boards. He also took on the role of CEO of Blackrock’s German branch.
Within the CDU, Merz was often viewed as a divisive figure. However, he is now widely credited with uniting the party after its defeat in the 2021 federal election. He has also mended the strained relationship with the Christian Social Union (CSU), the CDU’s Bavarian sister party, by adopting a stricter stance on immigration policy.
Despite his efforts to unify the CDU, Merz remains capable of provoking his political opponents with his often polarizing statements. This was evident during the election campaign when he allowed the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) to provide the necessary votes for a Union motion on immigration in the Bundestag, a move that drew sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
Merz comes from a family of lawyers and is married to Charlotte Merz, a judge. The couple resides in Arnsberg, a town in the Hochsauerland region. Merz has stated that he intends to maintain his primary residence in Arnsberg even if he becomes Chancellor. Charlotte Merz is the director of the Arnsberg District Court. The couple has three adult children, a son and two daughters, as well as seven grandchildren. Merz is known to be a devoted family man. Last summer, he consulted with his family about whether to take on the responsibilities of the chancellorship.
When asked by the "Bild" newspaper whether he had already ordered a children’s playroom in the Chancellery, Merz responded, "No, and the family will also stay out of it, in the literal sense." He added, "The family should be affected as little as possible by this office." Charlotte Merz stated during the election campaign that she and her husband support each other. "Ultimately, the source of strength is the home base in Sauerland."
In February, Charlotte Merz defended her husband against critics who accuse him of having a conservative view of women and the family. She told the "Westfalenpost" that as a couple, they have always organized their family and married life on an equal footing. She added that her husband has "always completely supported me because he found it natural and right that I worked."
Merz owns a twin-engine propeller plane and is a passionate pilot. He wanted to get his pilot’s license early on, but his parents forbade it due to his poor grades.
"Flying has always been my childhood dream. When you break through the cloud cover, see the blue sky, and the engines run peacefully – that’s a great joy for me," Merz said in the summer of 2022 to "Bunte" magazine. Shortly before, he and his wife flew in his plane to the wedding of the then Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner (FDP) to Sylt, which was also met with public criticism.
Merz’s Diamond DA62, an Austrian-made aircraft, costs around one million euros with good equipment. The aircraft’s registration is D-IAFM, a personalized license plate. Whether Merz will be allowed to fly as a private pilot as Chancellor was recently still open. In the ARD program "Caren Miosga," he said in mid-April that a flight license had recently been extended for one year.
Friedrich Merz’s journey is a story of perseverance, ambition, and the enduring power of political will. Whether he succeeds in becoming Chancellor remains to be seen, but his resurgence as a major player in German politics is undoubtedly one of the most compelling narratives of recent years.
