Following the German national election, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) emerged as the strongest force, positioning Friedrich Merz to become Germany’s next Chancellor. At 69 years old, Merz, a seasoned politician and multimillionaire lawyer, marks his first entry into government following a long and varied career in politics and the private sector. Merz’s potential rise as Chancellor signals a shift in German politics with a focus on conservative values and greater European self-reliance.
Key Election Outcomes
CDU/CSU Performance:
- Secured 28.5% of the total vote, making them the largest bloc.
- Projected to win 208 seats in the Bundestag.
- This achievement reflects evolving political landscape and growing influence of conservative and right-wing forces in the country.
Rise of the AfD:
- The Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to 20.8%, a historic performance for the far-right in post-WWII Germany, and is expected to secure 152 seats. This performance marked a first, in Germany where parties have aimed to keep extremist ideologies parties out of power after World War II, in what is known as ‘the firewall’.
- Their success reflects growing populist sentiment, particularly in eastern Germany, although the CDU/CSU is anticipated to ally with the SPD to keep them out of government.
SPD, Greens, and The Left:
- Social Democratic Party (SPD): Came in third with 16.4% (a significant drop from their previous win).
- Greens: Achieved 11.6% of the vote.
- The Left (Die Linke): Secured 8.8%.
- Overall, these results underscore a more fragmented political landscape.
About Friedrich Merz
Political Background:
- First elected to the European Parliament in 1989.
- Became chairman of the CDU’s parliamentary alliance by 2000, before being sidelined by Angela Merkel, prompting his exit from parliament in 2009.
Career in the Private Sector:
- Worked with multinational firms such as Mayer Brown and BlackRock Germany.
Return to Politics:
- Re-elected as CDU leader in 2022 following Merkel’s retirement.
Vision for Germany:
- A social conservative advocating for a new European defense coalition.
- Aims to govern reliably and work towards European independence from the United States.