Friedrich Merz Takes Position as Chancellor Candidate for the Union

Friedrich Merz: A New Era for the Union

Friedrich Merz is set to be the Union's Chancellor candidate for the upcoming Bundestag elections. During a press conference in Berlin, the CDU chairman, alongside CSU chief Markus Söder, expressed his readiness to pursue the position of head of government. Söder confirmed his backing, stating, “To make it short, the K-Question is decided. Friedrich Merz will do it. I fully support this.”

Support from CSU

The CDU has first access to the candidacy, which Merz has taken up. Söder stressed that he does not accept this decision begrudgingly, but rather offers his full support based on high personal appreciation for Merz. As Söder puts it, “I have a strong coordination system that binds the CDU and CSU.”

• Both party leaders aim to bring order back to Germany and repair the damage caused by the current government.
• Merz acknowledged the necessity of their joint decisions to present a united front to their boards.
• Söder emphasized personal trust and mutual respect in their collaboration, noting that previous disagreements on migration have now been resolved.

Merz’s Political Journey

At 68, Friedrich Merz has led the CDU since early 2022 and chairs the CDU/CSU parliamentary group. Having served in a similar role from 2000 to 2002, he made several attempts to reclaim leadership after years in the private sector.

During a recent event, Hendrik Wüst, Premier of North Rhine-Westphalia and CDU’s largest state branch leader, stated that he currently does not pursue the chancellorship but supports Merz, asserting that this would significantly enhance the Union’s election chances against the current government.