Who is Friedrich Merz? Germany’s likely next Chancellor

CGTN Europe

Friedrich Merz is the frontrunner to become Germany’s next chancellor. At 69, he leads the CDU in a more conservative direction—marking a sharp shift from Angela Merkel’s legacy. Merz’s CDU is now tougher on migration, focused on economic liberalization, and skeptical of the welfare state. But will voters back his vision?

Transcript

00:00Friedrich Merz is known for his discipline and strict leadership.

00:03He starts meetings on time, whether everyone's there or not,

00:06and expects the same work ethic from his team.

00:09At 69, he's the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor.

00:13A key figure in the CDU for decades,

00:16Merz has long been seen as Angela Merkel's opposite.

00:19Now, he's leading the party in a more conservative direction.

00:22His CDU plans to cut social benefits,

00:25including rolling back Bürgergeld, Germany's unemployment support.

00:29He argues those who can work should work.

00:32He also opposes recent citizenship reforms,

00:34saying German nationality should not be handed out lightly.

00:38With a background in corporate law and a past seat on BlackRock's board,

00:41Merz favors tax cuts and deregulation.

00:44He argues Germany needs economic growth, not more state intervention.

00:49But his wealth has raised eyebrows.

00:51He owns two private jets, which he pilots himself,

00:54yet describes himself as middle class.

00:57Critics say this makes him out of touch,

00:59though Merz insists his success is self-made.

01:03Merz's leadership marks a clear shift for the CDU —

01:06more conservative, more business-focused, and more hardline on migration.

01:13Will his vision win over German voters?

Category

Transcript

Recommended