Berlin, Germany — Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to replace Olaf Scholz as Chancellor of Germany after securing a win in the 2025 federal elections. His CDU-CSU alliance garnered around 28.5 to 29% of the vote, defeating Scholz’s Social Democratic Party (SPD), which recorded its worst result in post-war German history.
A New Era in German Politics
Merz’s victory marks a significant shift in Germany’s political landscape. The election results saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surge to second place, doubling its support to around 19.5-20%. Despite their strong showing, AfD remains excluded from the government due to coalition refusals. Merz’s triumph comes after a coalition collapse in November 2024, leading to the early election.
In his victory speech, Merz called for the swift formation of a new government, stressing that the global community is “not waiting for lengthy coalition talks.” Scholz, on the other hand, acknowledged his party’s poor performance and accepted responsibility for the loss.
Friedrich Merz’s Political Journey and Controversies
Friedrich Merz hails from Sauerland, in western Germany, and follows in his father’s footsteps as both a lawyer and a Catholic. He entered politics at 33, becoming a member of the European Parliament in 1989 and later moving to the Bundestag in 1994. Known for his powerful speeches, Merz quickly earned influence within the CDU.
After leaving politics in 2009 due to a political setback, Merz shifted to the private sector, where he held key roles, including chairing BlackRock’s supervisory board in Germany from 2016 to 2020. He made his political return in 2022, eventually becoming the CDU leader after multiple attempts. Merz is known for advocating liberal economic policies and a more conservative stance on social issues.
Throughout his career, Merz has faced criticism for some controversial positions, including voting against criminalizing marital rape in 1997. He has also expressed concerns about Germany’s migration policies, calling for a stronger “dominant guiding culture” in the country. In a 2023 interview, Merz criticized the failure of integration efforts and suggested deportations for individuals not adapting to German norms.
Election Results and Scholz’s Defeat
The 2025 elections reflected widespread discontent with the incumbent government. Merz’s CDU-CSU alliance secured 28.5 to 29% of the vote, defeating Scholz’s SPD, which won just 16%—the worst performance in its post-war history. The Greens secured 12-13% of the vote, while the far-left Die Linke earned 8.5-9%. The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) received 4.4%.
Despite the rise of the far-right AfD, which doubled its support, the CDU-CSU remains Germany’s largest party, with Merz now set to lead the country. Scholz conceded his party’s defeat and expressed his regret over the election results.
Looking Ahead: Challenges for Merz
As Chancellor, Merz faces several challenges, including navigating economic stagnation, migration issues, and Germany’s role on the global stage, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With his promise of swift government formation, Merz aims to address these concerns quickly and effectively.
Friedrich Merz’s victory in the 2025 federal election signals a major shift in Germany’s political future. With the CDU-CSU now leading the government, Merz’s leadership will shape the country’s approach to pressing issues such as economic recovery and immigration reform. As he prepares to take office, Merz’s conservative policies and strong stance on migration and economic issues will be pivotal in defining his tenure as Chancellor.
Looking ahead, Merz’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes the reins of Europe’s largest economy. His ability to navigate coalition negotiations, address economic stagnation, and tackle migration challenges will define his tenure. With rising geopolitical tensions and domestic dissatisfaction shaping Germany’s political climate, Merz must balance conservative policies with pragmatic governance to maintain stability. As he steps into the Chancellery, the question remains: can he deliver the change voters expect while keeping Germany’s position strong on the global stage?
For more such updates follow Swadesi!
