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Friedrich Merz and his long march to the brink of the German chancellery


Published on 2025-02-22 08:20:48 - MSN
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  • Friedrich Merz, a man who has never held a government role, is preparing to take the reins in Germany just as the country faces its biggest economic and diplomatic crises in decades and Europe looks urgently for a new generation of leaders for an era of transatlantic tension.

Friedrich Merz, a prominent figure in German politics, has been on a long journey to potentially become Germany's next Chancellor. After being ousted from the leadership of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) by Angela Merkel in 2002, Merz spent years in the political wilderness, focusing on his career in business. His return to politics was marked by his election as CDU leader in 2022, following the party's significant losses in the 2021 federal election. Known for his conservative views, Merz has been critical of Merkel's centrist policies, advocating for a return to more traditional CDU values. His leadership has seen the CDU regain some ground in regional elections, positioning him as a strong contender for the chancellorship in the next federal election. However, his path is fraught with challenges, including managing the CDU's internal dynamics and appealing to a broad electorate in a rapidly changing political landscape.

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