Friedrich Merz

File:Brilon-Haus Sauvigny-2006-06-25.jpg, Merz's childhood home that belonged to his mother's Sauvigny family, a locally prominent patrician family]]

Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz was born on 11 November 1955 to Joachim Merz (born 1924) and Paula Sauvigny (born 1928) in Brilon in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in then-West Germany.{{cite news |url=https://www.faz.net/1.5867546 |title=Friedrich Merz: Dieser Kandidat passt nicht auf einen Bierdeckel |trans-title=Friedrich Merz: this candidate does not fit onto a drink coaster |first1=Eckart|last1=Lohse |newspaper=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104004201/https://www.faz.net/1.5867546 |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live}} His father was a judge and a member of the CDU.{{Cite news|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/article698654/Friedrich-Merz-Vater-verlaesst-die-CDU-im-Groll.html|title=Parteien: Friedrich Merz' Vater verlässt die CDU im Groll|trans-title=Parties: Friedrich Merz's father leaves the CDU in anger|date=12 February 2007 |newspaper=Die Welt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303151057/https://www.welt.de/politik/article698654/Friedrich-Merz-Vater-verlaesst-die-CDU-im-Groll.html |language=de |archive-date=3 March 2021 |url-status=live}} The Sauvigny family was a locally prominent patrician family in Brilon, of French ancestry. His maternal grandfather was Brilon mayor {{ill|Josef Paul Sauvigny|de}}.{{cite web |title=Can Friedrich Merz still fix Germany? |work=Financial Times |date=5 February 2025 |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4dcf2099-152b-45bf-acbb-811ea638ca2c |publisher=FT |access-date=24 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250225123252/https://www.ft.com/content/4dcf2099-152b-45bf-acbb-811ea638ca2c |archive-date=25 February 2025 |url-status=live |last1=Chassany |first1=Anne-Sylvaine }} Merz is Catholic.{{cite web|url=http://www.munzinger.de/document/00000022889 |title=Friedrich Merz profile |work=Munzinger Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228150609/http://www.munzinger.de/document/00000022889 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite book |date= |chapter=Sauvigny|title=Deutsches Geschlechterbuch |volume=38 |location= |publisher= |page= |isbn=}}{{Cite news|url=https://taz.de/Merz-bejubelt-rechten-Grossvater/!806584/|title=Merz bejubelt rechten Großvater|trans-title=Merz applauds right-wing grandfather|newspaper=Die Tageszeitung: Taz|date=16 January 2004|page=1|language=de|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004170901/https://taz.de/Merz-bejubelt-rechten-Grossvater/!806584/ |archive-date=4 October 2020 |url-status=live}}Claus Jacobi, Im Rad der Geschichte: Deutsche Verhältnisse, pg. 166, Herbig, 2002. He was raised in his mother's family home {{ill|Sauvigny House|de|Haus Sauvigny}} in Brilon. The house was announced for sale for {{Euro|2{{nbsp}}million}} in 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/elternhaus-von-friedrich-merz-in-brilon-nun-vor-dem-verkauf-id233857987.html|title = Elternhaus von Friedrich Merz in Brilon nun vor dem Verkauf?|trans-title=Friedrich Merz's parents' house in Brilon now up for sale?|date = 16 November 2021 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118012548/https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/elternhaus-von-friedrich-merz-in-brilon-nun-vor-dem-verkauf-id233857987.html |archive-date=18 November 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/brilon-wer-hat-das-kleingeld-fuer-dieses-kleinod-id233653161.html|title = Brilon: Wer hat das Kleingeld für dieses Kleinod?|trans-title=Brilon: Who has the change for this gem?|date = 22 October 2021 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124130219/https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/brilon-wer-hat-das-kleingeld-fuer-dieses-kleinod-id233653161.html |archive-date=24 January 2022 |url-status=live}}

From 1966 to 1971 Merz studied at the Gymnasium Petrinum Brilon, which he left for disciplinary reasons,{{Cite news |title=Interview aus dem Jahr 2000: "Es gab auch mal einen anderen Friedrich Merz" |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/es-gab-auch-mal-einen-anderen-friedrich-merz-5305378.html |access-date=11 March 2025 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de-DE |issn=1865-2263 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927095730/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/es-gab-auch-mal-einen-anderen-friedrich-merz-5305378.html |archive-date=27 September 2022 |url-status=live}} moving to the Friedrich-Spee Gymnasium in Rüthen where he finished his Abitur in 1975.{{Cite web |last=ONLINE |first=RP |date=20 November 2018 |title=Porträt des CDU-Politikers: Die Ideen des Merz |url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-ein-portraet-der-provokateur_aid-34589155 |access-date=11 March 2025 |website=RP ONLINE |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120004533/https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-ein-portraet-der-provokateur_aid-34589155 |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=unbekannt |date=23 February 2025 |title=Porträt in Bildern: Das ist Friedrich Merz |url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-portraet-des-cdu-politikers_bid-34235939#1 |access-date=11 March 2025 |website=RP ONLINE |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207172326/https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-portraet-des-cdu-politikers_bid-34235939#1 |archive-date=7 February 2025 |url-status=live}} From July 1975 to September 1976 Merz served his military service as a soldier with a self-propelled artillery unit of the German Army.{{Cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/40-jahre-zivildienst-haben-sie-eigentlich-gedient-herr-merz-a-126706.html |title=Haben Sie eigentlich gedient, Herr Merz? |trans-title=Have you actually served, Mr. Merz? |work=Der Spiegel |date=5 April 2001 |access-date=31 October 2024 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630104954/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/40-jahre-zivildienst-haben-sie-eigentlich-gedient-herr-merz-a-126706.html |archive-date=30 June 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.dbwv.de/aktuelle-themen/blickpunkt/beitrag/worte-reichen-nicht-wir-muessen-die-zeitenwende-mit-leben-fuellen |title=Friedrich Merz im Interview: „Worte reichen nicht: Wir müssen die Zeitenwende mit Leben füllen“ |trans-title=Friedrich Merz in an interview: “Words are not enough: We must fill the turning point with life” |work=dbwv.de |date=6 February 2023 |access-date=30 March 2023 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050218/https://www.dbwv.de/aktuelle-themen/blickpunkt/beitrag/worte-reichen-nicht-wir-muessen-die-zeitenwende-mit-leben-fuellen |archive-date=30 March 2023 |url-status=live}} From 1976 he studied law with a scholarship from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, first at the University of Bonn, later at the University of Marburg. At Bonn he was a member of {{Interlanguage link multi|KDStV Bavaria Bonn|de}}, a Catholic student fraternity founded in 1844 that is part of the Cartellverband. After finishing law school in 1985, he became a judge in Saarbrücken. In 1986 he left his position as a judge in order to work as an in-house attorney-at-law at the German Chemical Industry Association in Bonn and Frankfurt from 1986 to 1989.{{Cite news|url=https://www.atlantik-bruecke.org/die-atlantik-bruecke/vorstand/friedrich-merz/|title=Friedrich Merz – Atlantik-Brücke e.V.|work=Atlantik-Brücke e.V.|access-date=30 October 2018|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031052330/https://www.atlantik-bruecke.org/die-atlantik-bruecke/vorstand/friedrich-merz/|archive-date=31 October 2018|url-status=dead}}

Merz speaks German, French and English.{{cite web|url=https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/people/m/merz-friedrich?tab=overview |title=Friedrich Merz, Senior Counsel |work=Mayer Brown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706091038/https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/people/m/merz-friedrich?tab=overview |archive-date=6 July 2020 |url-status=live}}

File:KAS-Merz, Friedrich-Bild-26612-2.jpg

In 1972, at the age of seventeen, he became a member of the CDU's youth wing, the Young Union. He became President of the Brilon branch of the Young Union in 1980.

Merz successfully ran as a candidate in the 1989 European Parliament election and served one term as a Member of the European Parliament until 1994. He was a member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and of the parliament's delegation for relations with Malta.

From the 1994 German elections, he served as member of the Bundestag for his constituency, the Hochsauerland. In his first term, he was a member of the Finance Committee.

In October 1998 Merz became vice-chairman and in February 2000 Chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group (alongside Michael Glos), succeeding Wolfgang Schäuble. In this capacity, he was the opposition leader in the Bundestag during Chancellor Gerhard Schröder's first term.

Ahead of the 2002 elections, Edmund Stoiber included Merz in his shadow cabinet for the Christian Democrats' campaign to unseat incumbent Schröder as chancellor. During the campaign, Merz served as Stoiber's expert for financial markets and the national budget.{{cite news|url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wahlkampf-stoiber-team-ohne-kompetenz-bei-den-staatsfinanzen-a-178384.html |title=Wahlkampf: Stoiber-Team ohne Kompetenz bei den Staatsfinanzen |trans-title=Election campaign: Stoiber team lacks competence in public finances |work=Spiegel Online |date=22 January 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415060313/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/wahlkampf-stoiber-team-ohne-kompetenz-bei-den-staatsfinanzen-a-178384.html |archive-date=15 April 2016 |url-status=live}} After Stoiber's electoral defeat, Angela Merkel assumed the leadership of the parliamentary group; Merz again served as vice-chairman until 2004. From 2002 to 2004, he was also a member of the executive board of the CDU, again under the leadership of Merkel.

In 2005 he has been described by German media as a new member of the {{ill|Andean Pact (CDU)|de|Andenpakt_(CDU)|lt=Andean Pact}},{{cite news |last=Schumacher |first=Hajo |date=3 November 2005 |title=Union: 'Anden-Pakt' nimmt Friedrich Merz auf |trans-title=Union: "Andean Pact" accepts Friedrich Merz |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/union-anden-pakt-nimmt-friedrich-merz-auf-a-382963.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121122115948/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/union-anden-pakt-nimmt-friedrich-merz-auf-a-382963.html |archive-date=22 November 2012 |newspaper=Der Spiegel |via=Spiegel Online}} a originally secret network of influential CDU men formed in 1979 by then members of Young Union during a trip to the South American Andes region. The Andean pact stood in opposition to Merkel, especially in the five years before she became chancellor in 2005, after she had become chairperson of the CDU. Years before his admission, Merz had already a "fundamental loyalty" to his peers in the Andean Pact. Between 2005 and 2009, Merz was a member of the Committee on Legal Affairs. In 2006, he was one of nine parliamentarians who filed a complaint at the Federal Constitutional Court against the disclosure of additional sources of income; the complaint was ultimately unsuccessful.{{cite news|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/nebenjobs-abgeordnete-klagen-gegen-transparente-politiker-gehaelter-a-441894.html |first=Sonja |last=Pohlmann |date=11 October 2006 |title=Nebenjobs: Abgeordnete klagen gegen transparente Politiker-Gehälter |trans-title=Second jobs: MPs sue against transparent politicians' salaries |work=Der Spiegel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111031322/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/nebenjobs-abgeordnete-klagen-gegen-transparente-politiker-gehaelter-a-441894.html |archive-date=11 November 2012 |url-status=live}} By 2007, he announced he would not be running for political office in the 2009 elections.

Upon leaving politics, Merz worked as a corporate lawyer. Since 2004 he has been a Senior Counsel at Mayer Brown's Düsseldorf office,{{cite web|url=http://www.mayerbrown.com/lawyers/profile.asp?hubbardid=M480617703|title=Friedrich Merz|website=mayerbrown.com|access-date=14 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406104045/http://www.mayerbrown.com/lawyers/profile.asp?hubbardid=M480617703|archive-date=6 April 2012|url-status=dead}} where he works on the corporate finance team; before 2004 he was a senior counsel with Cornelius Bartenbach Haesemann.{{Citation |url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/archiv/nicht-suechtig-nach-politik-friedrich-merz;838562 |title=Nicht süchtig nach Politik: Friedrich Merz |trans-title=Not addicted to politics: Friedrich Merz |date=23 December 2004 |first=Donata |last=Riedel |newspaper=Handelsblatt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223145514/https://www.handelsblatt.com/archiv/nicht-suechtig-nach-politik-friedrich-merz;838562|archive-date=23 February 2012|url-status=dead}} His work as a lawyer and board member has made him a multimillionaire.{{cite web|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/today/politics/long-march-the-man-who-would-be-chancellor-merzs-delayed-political-comeback/23583798.html|title=Long march: The man who would be chancellor: Merz's delayed political comeback |website=Handelsblatt |access-date=8 December 2018|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228160136/https://www.handelsblatt.com/today/politics/long-march-the-man-who-would-be-chancellor-merzs-delayed-political-comeback/23583798.html|url-status=dead}} He has also taken on numerous positions on corporate boards, including the following:

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• Robert Bosch GmbH, Member of International Advisory Committee (since 2011)
• WEPA Hygieneprodukte GmbH, Chairman of the supervisory board (since 2009)
• Deutsche Rockwool, Member of the Supervisory Board
• Ernst & Young Germany, Member of the Advisory Board
• Odewald & Compagnie, Member of the Advisory Board
• DBV-Winterthur Holding, Member of the Supervisory Board
• Cologne Bonn Airport, Chairman of the supervisory board (2017–2020){{cite web|url=https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-beruft-friedrich-merz-zum-beauftragten-fuer-die |title=Ministerpräsident Armin Laschet beruft Friedrich Merz zum Beauftragten für die Folgen des Brexits und die transatlantischen Beziehungen |trans-title=Minister-President Armin Laschet appoints Friedrich Merz as Commissioner for the Consequences of Brexit and Transatlantic Relations |author=Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia |date=7 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205419/https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/ministerpraesident-armin-laschet-beruft-friedrich-merz-zum-beauftragten-fuer-die |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ksta.de/wirtschaft/flughafen-koeln-bonn-friedrich-merz-tritt-als-aufsichtsratschef-zurueck-37838896?cb=1608379681 |author=Corinna Schulz |date=18 December 2020 |title=074 Flughafen Köln/Bonn Friedrich Merz tritt als Aufsichtsratschef zurück |trans-title=074 Cologne/Bonn Airport Friedrich Merz resigns as Chairman of the Supervisory Board |work=Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008164154/https://www.ksta.de/wirtschaft/flughafen-koeln-bonn-friedrich-merz-tritt-als-aufsichtsratschef-zurueck-37838896?cb=1608379681074 |archive-date=8 October 2021 |url-status=live}}
• BlackRock Germany, Chairman of the supervisory board (2016–2020){{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/blackrock-hires-former-merkel-deputy-for-its-german-operations-1453054735 |author=Eyk Henning |date=17 January 2016 |title=BlackRock Hires Former Merkel Deputy for Its German Operations|work=Wall Street Journal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118040737/https://www.wsj.com/articles/blackrock-hires-former-merkel-deputy-for-its-german-operations-1453054735 |archive-date=18 January 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/banken-versicherungen/vermoegensverwalter-blackrock-findet-nachfolger-fuer-friedrich-merz/25881544.html |author=Robert Landgraf |date=3 June 2020 |title=Blackrock findet Nachfolger für Friedrich Merz |trans-title=Blackrock finds successor for Friedrich Merz |work=Handelsblatt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612005709/https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/banken-versicherungen/vermoegensverwalter-blackrock-findet-nachfolger-fuer-friedrich-merz/25881544.html |archive-date=12 June 2020 |url-status=live}}
• Stadler Rail, Member of the Board of Directors (2006–2020){{cite web|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/management/maschinenbau-merz-im-verwaltungsrat-der-schweizer-stadler-rail-group/2634392.html |author=Robert Landgraf |date=28 March 2006 |title=Merz im Verwaltungsrat der Schweizer Stadler Rail Group |trans-title=Merz on the Board of Directors of the Swiss Stadler Rail Group |work=Handelsblatt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108152120/https://www.handelsblatt.com/unternehmen/management/maschinenbau-merz-im-verwaltungsrat-der-schweizer-stadler-rail-group/2634392.html |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/media/article/friedrich-merz-stellt-sich-nicht-mehr-zur-wiederwahl-als-verwaltungsrat-bei-stadler/712/ |author=Robert Landgraf |date=20 February 2020 |title=Friedrich Merz stellt sich nicht mehr zur Wiederwahl als Verwaltungsrat bei Stadler |trans-title=Friedrich Merz will not stand for re-election as a member of the Board of Directors at Stadler |work=Stadler Rail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928180528/https://www.stadlerrail.com/en/media/article/friedrich-merz-stellt-sich-nicht-mehr-zur-wiederwahl-als-verwaltungsrat-bei-stadler/712/ |archive-date=28 September 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/nach-blackrock-rueckzug-friedrich-merz-verlaesst-stadler-aufsichtsrat/25563856.html |title=Nach Blackrock-Rückzug: Friedrich Merz verlässt Stadler-Aufsichtsrat |trans-title=After Blackrock withdrawal: Friedrich Merz leaves Stadler supervisory board |author=Max Haerder |date=20 February 2020 |work=Wirtschaftswoche |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806013530/https://www.wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/nach-blackrock-rueckzug-friedrich-merz-verlaesst-stadler-aufsichtsrat/25563856.html |archive-date=6 August 2020 |url-status=live}}
• HSBC Trinkaus, chairman of the advisory board (2010–2019){{cite news|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/banken-versicherungen/cdu-politiker-friedrich-merz-verlaesst-hsbc-aufsichtsrat/24215670.html |title=Friedrich Merz verlässt HSBC-Aufsichtsrat |trans-title=Friedrich Merz leaves HSBC supervisory board |author=Felix Holtermann |date=12 April 2019 |work=Handelsblatt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413011415/https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/banken-versicherungen/cdu-politiker-friedrich-merz-verlaesst-hsbc-aufsichtsrat/24215670.html |archive-date=13 April 2019 |url-status=live}}
• Borussia Dortmund, Member of the supervisory board (2010–2014)
• Axa Konzern AG, Member of the supervisory board (2007–2014){{cite web|url=https://www.axa.de/presse/wechsel-im-aufsichtsratsvorsitz-der-axa-konzern-ag |title=Wechsel im Aufsichtsratsvorsitz der Axa Konzern AG |trans-title=Change in the Chairmanship of the Supervisory Board of Axa Konzern AG |author=Felix Holtermann |work=Axa Konzern AG |date=24 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911222346/https://www.axa.de/presse/wechsel-im-aufsichtsratsvorsitz-der-axa-konzern-ag |archive-date=11 September 2016 |url-status=live}}
• IVG Immobilien, Member of the supervisory board (2006–2010)
• Deutsche Börse, Member of the supervisory board (2005–2015)
• Interseroh, Member of the supervisory board (2005–2009){{cite web|url=https://www.alba.info/fileadmin/PDF/Geschaeftsberichte/2010/INTERSEROH-SE-Geschaeftsbreicht-2009-Geschaeftsbericht.pdf |title= 2010 Annual Report |work=Interseroh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325211423/https://www.alba.info/fileadmin/PDF/Geschaeftsberichte/2010/INTERSEROH-SE-Geschaeftsbreicht-2009-Geschaeftsbericht.pdf |archive-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=live}}

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Between 2010 and 2011, Merz represented the shareholders of WestLB, a publicly owned institution that had previously been Germany's third-largest lender, in talks with bidders.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/business/global/17westlb.html |title=For Germany's Banks, a Grim Future |author=Jack Ewing |date=16 February 2011 |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217060530/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/business/global/17westlb.html |archive-date=17 February 2011 |url-status=live}} In 2012, he joined Norbert Röttgen's campaign team for the North Rhine-Westphalia state election as advisor on economic policy.{{cite web|url=http://www1.wdr.de/archiv/neuwahl/roettgen164.html |author= Rainer Kellers |date=23 March 2012 |title=Merz soll Wirtschaftskompetenz zeigen: Der "alte Freund" und das Nicht-Comeback |trans-title=Merz should show economic competence: The "old friend" and the non-comeback |work=Westdeutscher Rundfunk |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428201435/http://www1.wdr.de/archiv/neuwahl/roettgen164.html |archive-date=28 April 2017 |url-status=live}} He served as a CDU delegate to the Federal Convention for the purpose of electing the President of Germany in 2012 and in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.bundestag.de/blob/192344/0b0787a2db63f7a3b9d158fb3c676ded/laender-data.pdf |title=Ordentliche Mitglieder der 15. Bundesversammlung |trans-title=Ordinary members of the 15th Federal Assembly |work=Bundestag |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708040815/https://www.bundestag.de/blob/192344/0b0787a2db63f7a3b9d158fb3c676ded/laender-data.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2014}}

In November 2017, Merz was appointed by Minister-President Armin Laschet of North Rhine-Westphalia as his Commissioner for Brexit and Transatlantic Relations, an unpaid advisory position.{{cite web|url=http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/nordrhein-westfalen-regierungsjob-fuer-friedrich-merz-1.3739212 |title=Regierungsjob für Friedrich Merz |trans-title=Government job for Friedrich Merz |first=Christian |last=Wernicke |date=7 November 2017 |work=Süddeutsche Zeitung |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108152108/http://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/nordrhein-westfalen-regierungsjob-fuer-friedrich-merz-1.3739212 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}

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|File:Msc 2004-Saturday Morning-1100 - 1300-Merz, Beer.jpg

|Friedrich Merz (2004)

|File:2017-02-01 Friedrich Merz-7692.JPG

|Friedrich Merz (2017)

|File:Secretary of defense visits Germany 150622-D-DT527-253.jpg

|Merz as chairman of the Atlantic Bridge with US defence secretary Ash Carter and German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen in 2015}}

After Angela Merkel announced her intention to step down as leader of the CDU party, Merz announced he would run in the subsequent 2018 party leadership election. His candidacy was promoted by the former CDU chairman and "crown prince" of the Kohl era, Wolfgang Schäuble (former President of the Bundestag, ranked second in federal precedence).{{cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/1.5870575|title=Merkel-Nachfolge: Schäuble beförderte Merz' Kandidatur für CDU-Vorsitz|trans-title=Merkel's successor: Schäuble promoted Merz's candidacy for CDU chairmanship |newspaper=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928191125/https://www.faz.net/1.5870575 |archive-date=28 September 2020 |url-status=live}} On 7 December 2018, in the second round of the leadership election, Merz was defeated by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer.

On 25 February 2020, he announced his candidacy in the first 2021 CDU leadership election.{{Cite web|url=https://www.morgenpost.de/politik/inland/article228535207/Friedrich-Merz-kandidiert-fuer-CDU-Parteivorsitz.html|title=Friedrich Merz kandidiert – und schießt gegen Laschet und Spahn|trans-title=Friedrich Merz runs for office – and attacks Laschet and Spahn |work=Berliner Morgenpost |date=25 February 2020 |language=de |access-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225173249/https://www.morgenpost.de/politik/inland/article228535207/Friedrich-Merz-kandidiert-fuer-CDU-Parteivorsitz.html |archive-date=25 February 2020 |url-status=live}} His closest competitors were Armin Laschet and Norbert Röttgen.{{Cite news|last1=Leithäuser|first1=Johannes|last2=Wehner|first2=Markus|title=Als Team in die CDU-Spitze: Wie Laschet und Spahn ihre Mitbewerber unter Druck setzen|trans-title=As a team in the CDU leadership: How Laschet and Spahn put their competitors under pressure|language=de|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/cdu-vorsitz-armin-laschet-und-jens-spahn-als-team-16650688.html|access-date=22 June 2021|issn=0174-4909 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226015908/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/cdu-vorsitz-armin-laschet-und-jens-spahn-als-team-16650688.html |archive-date=26 February 2020 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Röttgen zu Bewerbung: 'Es geht um die Zukunft der CDU' |trans-title=Röttgen on application: 'It's about the future of the CDU' |language=de|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/roettgen-zu-bewerbung-um-cdu-vorsitz-geht-um-zukunft-der-cdu-16639785.html|access-date=22 June 2021|issn=0174-4909|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218200719/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/roettgen-zu-bewerbung-um-cdu-vorsitz-geht-um-zukunft-der-cdu-16639785.html |archive-date=18 February 2020 |url-status=live}} After several postponements, the election of the new CDU party president took place at the party congress on 15–16 January 2021, which was the first time in the party's history that it was held fully online. In the first round, Merz received 385 votes, 5 more than Laschet. In the second round, Merz failed to win the party president's post for the second time, receiving 466 votes out of 1001 delegates, while Laschet received 521 votes.{{Cite web|title=CDU-Parteitag: Laschet zum neuen Parteichef gewählt|trans-title=CDU party conference: Laschet elected new party leader|url=https://www.tagesschau.de/eilmeldung/cdu-laschet-111.html|access-date=22 June 2021|website=Tagesschau |language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116105000/https://www.tagesschau.de/eilmeldung/cdu-laschet-111.html |archive-date=16 January 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=20 April 2021|title=Germany: race for Merkel party leadership goes to runoff|url=https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-national-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-germany-2be065e51c2eb729d8b7b5ba8f23f183|access-date=22 June 2021|website=Associated Press |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116103311/https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-national-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-elections-germany-2be065e51c2eb729d8b7b5ba8f23f183 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |title=Armin Laschet zum neuen CDU-Vorsitzenden gewählt|trans-title=Armin Laschet elected new CDU leader |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/armin-laschet-zum-neuen-cdu-vorsitzenden-gewaehlt-a-72cdf01e-5074-4faa-9d4f-4417fa18c00d|access-date=22 June 2021|newspaper=Der Spiegel |date=16 January 2021|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116103312/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/armin-laschet-zum-neuen-cdu-vorsitzenden-gewaehlt-a-72cdf01e-5074-4faa-9d4f-4417fa18c00d |archive-date=16 January 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Merkels Getreuer – Armin Laschet ist neuer CDU-Chef |date=16 January 2021|website=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/de/merkels-getreuer-armin-laschet-ist-neuer-cdu-chef/a-56226300|language=de|access-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117005349/https://www.dw.com/de/merkels-getreuer-armin-laschet-ist-neuer-cdu-chef/a-56226300 |archive-date=17 January 2021 |url-status=live}}

The same day, after losing the leadership election, Merz proposed to "join the current government and take over the Ministry for Economy". The ministry was already headed by his party colleague Peter Altmaier at the time and the proposal was rebuffed.{{Cite news|url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/friedrich-merz-will-nach-pleite-bei-cdu-wahl-jetzt-wirtschaftsminister-werden-17149521.html|title=Merz will Wirtschaftsminister werden|trans-title=Merz wants to become Minister of Economics |newspaper=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |date=16 January 2021 |language=de|access-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116135239/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/friedrich-merz-will-nach-pleite-bei-cdu-wahl-jetzt-wirtschaftsminister-werden-17149521.html |archive-date=16 January 2021 |url-status=live}} Laschet was quick to placate Merz by recruiting him to his campaign team. Laschet justified this by saying that Merz was "without doubt a team player" and that his economic and financial expertise could provide crucial help in overcoming the huge challenge of the pandemic in a sustainable way.{{Cite news|last1=Burger|first1=Reiner|last2=Düsseldorf|title=Laschet nominiert Merz: Ein Partner, um eigene Schwächen auszugleichen|trans-title=Laschet nominates Merz: A partner to compensate for his own weaknesses|language=de|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/cdu-armin-laschet-nominiert-friedrich-merz-ins-wahlkampf-team-17316029.html|access-date=22 June 2021 |issn=0174-4909 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428115242/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/cdu-armin-laschet-nominiert-friedrich-merz-ins-wahlkampf-team-17316029.html |archive-date=28 April 2021 |url-status=live }}

Ahead of the 2021 German federal election, Patrick Sensburg, Merz's successor in his seat in the Bundestag, failed to secure his party's support for a new candidacy. Merz instead replaced him, returning to the Bundestag after a 12-year absence.{{cite news|url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/merz-gewinnt-kampfkandidatur-im-sauerland_aid-57399157 |first=Maximilian |last=Plück |date=17 April 2021 |title=Friedrich Merz gewinnt Kampfkandidatur im Sauerland |trans-title=Friedrich Merz wins contested candidacy in Sauerland |work=Rheinische Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417101031/https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/merz-gewinnt-kampfkandidatur-im-sauerland_aid-57399157 |archive-date=17 April 2021 |url-status=live }}

On 15 November 2021, Merz announced his candidacy in the second 2021 CDU leadership election.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/race-to-lead-angela-merkel-s-party-in-german-opposition-takes-shape-121111201137_1.html|title=Race to lead Angela Merkel's party in German opposition takes shape|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=12 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112122203/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/race-to-lead-angela-merkel-s-party-in-german-opposition-takes-shape-121111201137_1.html |archive-date=12 November 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-berlin-europe-elections-national-elections-80324dba4eca2df93fbb41348984383d|title=Race to lead Angela Merkel's party in German opposition takes shape|website=Associated Press |date=12 November 2021|first=Geir|last=Moulson|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112163232/https://apnews.com/article/angela-merkel-berlin-europe-elections-national-elections-80324dba4eca2df93fbb41348984383d |archive-date=12 November 2021 |url-status=live}} His opponents were Norbert Röttgen and Helge Braun.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/germany-s-cdu-ready-to-elect-new-leader-to-succeed-armin-laschet-121111900414_1.html|title=Germany's CDU ready to elect new leader to succeed Armin Laschet |agency=IANS |newspaper=Business Standard India|date=19 November 2021|access-date=20 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119061900/https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/germany-s-cdu-ready-to-elect-new-leader-to-succeed-armin-laschet-121111900414_1.html |archive-date=19 November 2021 |url-status=live}}

During their short campaign, Merz's rivals positioned themselves as Merkel's heirs. Against them, Merz promised a decisive break with the centrist line Merkel had followed for 16 years.

In total, some 400,000 CDU members were able to vote online or by letter. By 17 December 2021, Merz had already won an absolute majority of 62.1 per cent of the membership in the first round of voting, so a second round of voting was not necessary. This meant that at his third attempt, he managed to win the party presidency. Asked for his reaction to the results of the vote, Merz said: "Quietly I just said to myself, 'WOW'; but only quietly, the winning marching songs are far from me".{{Cite news|date=17 December 2021|title=CDU: Friedrich Merz wird neuer Parteichef|trans-title=CDU: Friedrich Merz becomes new party leader|language=de|work=Der Spiegel|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-friedrich-merz-wird-neuer-parteichef-a-e024cd46-21c9-4120-b010-0d2094db1957|access-date=18 December 2021|issn=2195-1349|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217133252/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-friedrich-merz-wird-neuer-parteichef-a-e024cd46-21c9-4120-b010-0d2094db1957 |archive-date=17 December 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=17 December 2021|title=Germany's CDU party elects Friedrich Merz, 66, new leader|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-cdu-party-elects-friedrich-merz-66-new-leader-2021-12-17/|access-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217133924/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-cdu-party-elects-friedrich-merz-66-new-leader-2021-12-17/ |archive-date=17 December 2021 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=16 November 2021|title=CDU: Norbert Röttgen attackiert Friedrich Merz|trans-title=CDU: Norbert Röttgen attacks Friedrich Merz|url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-norbert-roettgen-attackiert-friedrich-merz-a-64224660-6a48-4afd-9221-2b7115dde6f1|access-date=18 December 2021|issn=2195-1349|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116132132/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-norbert-roettgen-attackiert-friedrich-merz-a-64224660-6a48-4afd-9221-2b7115dde6f1 |archive-date=16 November 2021 |url-status=live}}

File:Leaders’ Retreat (54271939875).jpg, Merz, Ursula von der Leyen and Manfred Weber at the European People's Party summit in Berlin, 17 January 2025]]

Merz was formally elected Chairman of the CDU by its 1001 congress delegates at the virtual federal party congress on 22 January 2022. In the end, 915 out of 983 delegates voted for him, winning 94.6% of the valid votes to become the leader of the largest opposition party in the Bundestag. The vote was formally a so-called "digital pre-vote", the result of which has been confirmed in writing by the delegates.{{Cite web|date=21 January 2022|title=CDU wählt Friedrich Merz zum neuen Chef|trans-title=CDU elects Friedrich Merz as new leader|url=https://www.sn.at/politik/weltpolitik/cdu-waehlt-friedrich-merz-zum-neuen-chef-115867060|access-date=22 January 2022|work=Salzburger Nachrichten|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122120220/https://www.sn.at/politik/weltpolitik/cdu-waehlt-friedrich-merz-zum-neuen-chef-115867060 |archive-date=22 January 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Vitzthum|first=Thomas|date=22 January 2022|title=CDU-Parteitag: Merz trifft den richtigen Ton – und zeigt geradezu Lust auf die Oppositionsrolle|trans-title=CDU party conference: Merz hits the right note – and shows a real desire for the opposition role|language=de |work=Die Welt |url=https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/plus236404199/CDU-Parteitag-Merz-trifft-den-richtigen-Ton-und-zeigt-geradezu-Lust-auf-die-Oppositionsrolle.html|access-date=22 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122154803/https://www.welt.de/debatte/kommentare/plus236404199/CDU-Parteitag-Merz-trifft-den-richtigen-Ton-und-zeigt-geradezu-Lust-auf-die-Oppositionsrolle.html |archive-date=22 January 2022 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last1=Carstens|first1=Peter |title=Fast 95 Prozent für Merz: 'Ein starker Auftrag und ein großartiges Mandat' |trans-title=Almost 95 percent for Merz: "A strong mandate and a great mandate"|language=de|work=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/friedrich-merz-zum-cdu-vorsitzenden-gewaehlt-17745882.html|access-date=22 January 2022|issn=0174-4909|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220122112413/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/friedrich-merz-zum-cdu-vorsitzenden-gewaehlt-17745882.html |archive-date=22 January 2022 |url-status=live}}

After Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer and Armin Laschet, Merz became the third leader of the Christian Democratic Union within three years. He officially took office as party leader on 31 January 2022.{{Cite news |title=Merz takes over as center-right opposition leader in Germany |url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-elections-germany-national-elections-angela-merkel-34128eaaff5eac510ed59b522757e334 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131165425/https://apnews.com/article/europe-elections-germany-national-elections-angela-merkel-34128eaaff5eac510ed59b522757e334 |archive-date=31 January 2022 |access-date=3 February 2022 |work=Associated Press |language=en-US }}

{{clear}}

{{Main|2025 German federal election}}

In September 2024, Merz became the Union's designated candidate for Chancellor of Germany in the 2025 federal election, after Hendrik Wüst (CDU) and Markus Söder (CSU) decided not to run and after both declared their support for Merz.{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |title='Ich habe ein Versprechen gegeben, dass sich 2021 nicht wiederholen wird' |trans-title='I made a promise that 2021 will not be repeated' |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/kanzlerkandidatur-der-union-friedrich-merz-und-markus-soeder-einigen-sich-auf-den-cdu-chef-a-1a96e850-3297-4cdf-8b8e-0842b9cf0c97 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917105411/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/kanzlerkandidatur-der-union-friedrich-merz-und-markus-soeder-einigen-sich-auf-den-cdu-chef-a-1a96e850-3297-4cdf-8b8e-0842b9cf0c97 |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=Der Spiegel}}{{Cite web |date=17 September 2024 |first1=Fanny |last1=Brodersen |first2=Vanessa |last2=Gera |title=German opposition Christian Democrats tap leader Friedrich Merz as their candidate for chancellor |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-politics-christian-democratic-union-cf1033d27f82a0291e983f3c9a94fb97 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917111140/https://apnews.com/article/germany-politics-christian-democratic-union-cf1033d27f82a0291e983f3c9a94fb97 |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=17 September 2024 |website=Associated Press}} Due to the collapse of the incumbent governing coalition in November 2024, the election took place seven months ahead of schedule.

Exit polls released following the 2025 federal election showed CDU would win the most seats in the German parliament, albeit with its second worst result ever, thus ensuring Merz the role of Chancellor of Germany.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/merzs-victory-opens-new-era-german-uncertainty-2025-02-23/|title=Merz's victory opens new era of German uncertainty|first=Pierre|last=Briancon|publisher=Reuters|date=23 February 2025|accessdate=23 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226042050/https://www.reuters.com/breakingviews/merzs-victory-opens-new-era-german-uncertainty-2025-02-23/ |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=23 February 2025 |title=Conservative opposition wins German election and the far right is 2nd with strongest postwar result |url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-election-merz-scholz-far-right-afd-ebf16ed38e0beaff7fed9a6d29b32a24 |access-date=23 February 2025|work=Associated Press |language=en|author=Geir Moulson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224045601/https://apnews.com/article/germany-election-merz-scholz-far-right-afd-ebf16ed38e0beaff7fed9a6d29b32a24 |archive-date=24 February 2025 }}

{{Seealso|2025 German federal election#Debt brake agreement}}

In the aftermath of the vote, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) initiated coalition talks to form the next government. In the federal election the CDU, led by Merz, emerged as the strongest party but fell short of an absolute majority, necessitating coalition negotiations. The SPD, under the leadership of Lars Klingbeil, entered discussions to explore potential collaboration.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2025 |title=Germany's CDU and SPD to start coalition talks Friday |last=Lunday |first=Chris |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-election-coalition-talks-cdu-friedrich-merz-spd-lars-klingbeil/ |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=Politico Europe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228002758/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-election-coalition-talks-cdu-friedrich-merz-spd-lars-klingbeil/ |archive-date=28 February 2025 |url-status=live}} The expected CDU/CSU–SPD coalition black-red-coalition would form what is historically referred to in German politics as a {{lang|de|Große Koalition}} (Grand Coalition, although that term describes the coalition of the two biggest parties, which the SPD is not since the 2025 election).{{Cite web |date=24 February 2025 |title=Merz confirms push for centrist coalition after German election win |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-cdu-spd-confirms-push-for-cdu-spd-coalition-election-win/ |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=Politico Europe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304142955/https://www.politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-cdu-spd-confirms-push-for-cdu-spd-coalition-election-win/ |archive-date=4 March 2025 |url-status=live}}

Politico noted that "Merz and other European mainstream leaders increasingly see the U.S. no longer a beacon—that “shining city upon a hill", as Reagan liked to call it—but rather as another force joining Russia and China to chip away steadily at their ever more brittle democracies".{{cite news|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/german-election-results-2025-friedrich-merz-next-chancellor-historic-question-europe-without-us-support/|title=Europe's most powerful leader as US turns its back|first=James|last=Angelos|publisher=Politico|date=23 February 2025|accessdate=23 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223194927/https://www.politico.eu/article/german-election-results-2025-friedrich-merz-next-chancellor-historic-question-europe-without-us-support/ |archive-date=23 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 5 March 2025, Merz proposed a significant increase in defence spending.{{cite news |title=Germany's Merz promises to do 'whatever it takes' on defence |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c981w25y5wpo |work=BBC |date=5 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305114752/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c981w25y5wpo |archive-date=5 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He stated at the press conference: "Germany and Europe must quickly strengthen their defence capabilities. The CDU, CSU and SPD will table a motion to amend the Basic Law so that defence spending above 1% of GDP is exempt from the debt brake".{{cite news |title=CDU's Friedrich Merz secures billion-euro deal for Germany's military and infrastructure |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/04/cdus-friedrich-merz-secures-billion-euro-deal-for-germanys-military-and-infrastructure |work=Euronews |date=5 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305101441/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/04/cdus-friedrich-merz-secures-billion-euro-deal-for-germanys-military-and-infrastructure |archive-date=5 March 2025 |url-status=live}} This would allow Germany to increase its debt without limits in order to finance its military and provide military assistance to Ukraine.{{cite news |title='A risky bet': Friedrich Merz criticised over plan to lift Germany's debt rules |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/05/a-risky-bet-friedrich-merz-criticised-over-plan-to-lift-germanys-debt-rules |work=The Guardian |date=5 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250308181326/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/05/a-risky-bet-friedrich-merz-criticised-over-plan-to-lift-germanys-debt-rules |archive-date=8 March 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=€1 trillion impact: What easing debt brake means for Germany |url=https://www.dw.com/en/1-trillion-impact-what-easing-debt-brake-means-for-germany/a-71949959 |work=DW News |date=17 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319020114/https://www.dw.com/en/1-trillion-impact-what-easing-debt-brake-means-for-germany/a-71949959 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}} Economists have warned that Merz's plan could trigger inflation and increase Germany's government debt.{{cite news |title=Germany Set for Trillion-Euro Defense and Infrastructure Splurge |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/germany-set-for-trillion-euro-defense-and-infrastructure-splurge-3cce7723 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322043155/https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/germany-set-for-trillion-euro-defense-and-infrastructure-splurge-3cce7723 |archive-date= 22 March 2025 |url-status=live}} Germany would pay approximately €71 billion in interest annually from 2035.{{cite news |title=How will Germany spend its €1 trillion loans? |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-will-germany-spend-its-1-trillion-loans/a-71995478 |work=DW News |date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322043125/https://www.dw.com/en/how-will-germany-spend-its-1-trillion-loans/a-71995478 |archive-date=22 March 2025 |url-status=live}} During negotiations for the next German cabinet, Merz and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz reached an agreement to reform the debt brake by amending Paragraphs 109, 115 and 143h of the Basic Law to exempt defence spending exceeding 1% of GDP.{{Cite web |title=Germany: Parties agree on historic debt deal – DW – 03/14/2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-parties-agree-on-historic-debt-deal/a-71922888 |access-date=18 March 2025 |website=dw.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318073349/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-parties-agree-on-historic-debt-deal/a-71922888 |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}} Next to the defence spending Merz agreed to create a special fund of €500 billion for "investments in infrastructure and for additional investments to achieve climate neutrality by 2045".{{cite news |title=Germany approves huge investments with Green Party backing |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-huge-spending-package-with-green-party-backing/a-71960695 |work=Deutsche Welle |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319180538/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-passes-huge-spending-package-with-green-party-backing/a-71960695 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}} On 18 March 2025, German lawmakers approved the amendment to the Basic Law.{{cite news |title=German lawmakers approve huge defense and infrastructure spending |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/g-s1-54475/germany-defense-spending-merz-debt-brake-parliament |work=NPR |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318191516/https://www.npr.org/2025/03/18/g-s1-54475/germany-defense-spending-merz-debt-brake-parliament |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}} The change will allow the Merz government to spend €500 billion on infrastructure and green energy within 10 years{{cite news |date=21 March 2025 |title=Germany's big spending splurge gives EU the jitters |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-friedrich-merz-radical-spending-election-berlin-green-energy-fund/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322042934/https://www.politico.eu/article/germanys-friedrich-merz-radical-spending-election-berlin-green-energy-fund/ |archive-date=22 March 2025 |work=Politico}}{{Cite news |last=Höltschi |first=René |date=2025-03-05 |title=«Whatever it takes»: So sieht das deutsche Milliardenpaket für Rüstung und Infrastruktur im Detail aus |trans-title=Whatever it takes”: This is what the German billion-dollar package for armaments and infrastructure looks like in detail |url=https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/finanzpaket-woher-die-milliarden-kommen-wohin-sie-gehen-ld.1873997 |access-date=2025-04-06 |work=Neue Zürcher Zeitung |language=de-CH |issn=0376-6829 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250406061900/https://www.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/finanzpaket-woher-die-milliarden-kommen-wohin-sie-gehen-ld.1873997 |archive-date=6 April 2025 |url-status=live}} and to have defence spending above 1% of GDP to be exempted from the debt brake; this allows an unlimited debt-based financing of defence spending. Merz, who had promised to not touch the debt brake rule prior to the german federal election,{{Cite web |title=Merz und Schuldenbremse: Falsche Wahlversprechen sind keine Wählertäuschung nach Strafgesetz (Merz and the debt brake: False election promises are not voter deception under criminal law) |url=https://correctiv.org/faktencheck/2025/03/20/merz-und-schuldenbremse-falsche-wahlversprechen-sind-keine-waehlertaeuschung-nach-strafgesetz/|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250405121351/https://correctiv.org/faktencheck/2025/03/20/merz-und-schuldenbremse-falsche-wahlversprechen-sind-keine-waehlertaeuschung-nach-strafgesetz/|archive-date=5 April 2025|url-status=live}} justified the increase in defence spending by the threat from Russia,{{cite news |title=German parliament passes historic debt-backed defence and infrastructure package |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/german-parliament-passes-historic-debt-backed-defence-and-infrastructure-package/ |work=Euractiv |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319033344/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/german-parliament-passes-historic-debt-backed-defence-and-infrastructure-package/ |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}} citing Putin's "war of aggression against Europe".{{cite news |title=German lawmakers approve massive defense and infrastructure spending plans |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/03/18/german-lawmakers-approve-defense-and-infrastructure-spending-plans_6739287_4.html |work=Le Monde |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322042824/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/03/18/german-lawmakers-approve-defense-and-infrastructure-spending-plans_6739287_4.html |archive-date=22 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He called the decision "the first major step towards a new European defense community."{{cite news |title=Germany OKs huge boost in defense spending as Europe gears up for new era |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/germany-boost-defence-spending-europe-trump-rcna196904 |work=NBC News |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319214049/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/germany-boost-defence-spending-europe-trump-rcna196904 |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He also planned to increase military aid to Ukraine.{{cite news |title=Germany's parliament backs incoming leader's plans for huge boost in defense spending, but can he deliver? |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-defense-spending-friedrich-merz-trump-pressure-nato-ukraine-russia-war/ |work=CBS News |date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322042519/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/germany-defense-spending-friedrich-merz-trump-pressure-nato-ukraine-russia-war/ |archive-date=22 March 2025 |url-status=live}} The trillion-euro spending package was approved before the 21st Bundestag was constituted on 25 March 2025, where The Left and AfD would have the ability to block it.{{cite news |title=Germany's parliament passes historic package boosting defence spending |url=https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/18/germanys-parliament-passes-historic-package-boosting-defence-spending |work=Euronews |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250318222111/https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/03/18/germanys-parliament-passes-historic-package-boosting-defence-spending |archive-date=18 March 2025 |url-status=live}} A two-thirds majority was needed to change the constitution.{{cite news |title=German parliament passes historic spending reforms |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-parliament-spending-reforms-defense-military-infrastructure-friedrich-merz/ |work=Politico |date=18 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319215319/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-parliament-spending-reforms-defense-military-infrastructure-friedrich-merz/ |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}} The plan was supported by the CDU, CSU, SPD, and the Greens. Merz's fiscal package was welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.{{cite news |title=Fiscal 'bazooka' for defence, infrastructure approved by Germany MPs |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250319-fiscal-bazooka-for-defence-infrastructure-approved-by-germany-mps |work=France 24 |date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319101541/https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250319-fiscal-bazooka-for-defence-infrastructure-approved-by-germany-mps |archive-date=19 March 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 9 April 2025, Merz would successfully secure a deal for a ruling coalition, thus paving the way for him to become Chancellor in his cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-coalition-deal-expected-around-midday-sources-say-2025-04-09/|title=Germany's Merz unveils coalition deal to spur growth, tackle migration|first1=Andreas|last1=Rinke|first2=Matthias|last2=Williams|publisher=Reuters|date=9 April 2025|accessdate=10 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410101023/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-coalition-deal-expected-around-midday-sources-say-2025-04-09/ |archive-date=10 April 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/world/europe/friedrich-merz-chancellor-coalition-deal.html|title=Coalition Deal in Germany Clears Way for Friedrich Merz to Become Chancellor|work=New York Times|date=9 April 2025|accessdate=10 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250410061532/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/world/europe/friedrich-merz-chancellor-coalition-deal.html |archive-date=10 April 2025|url-status=live}}

On 14 April 2025, it was confirmed that the German parliament would vote on Merz's candidacy for Chancellor on 6 May 2025.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/germany-government-chancellor-merz-73fa3ee8d9a7a9e2231de0da8df8faa3|title=German parliament expected to meet May 6 to elect Friedrich Merz as the new chancellor|publisher=Associated Press|date=14 April 2025|accessdate=14 April 2025}}

{{Conservatism in Germany|Politicians}}

Merz has focused on economic, foreign, security, and family policies. He has described himself as socially conservative and economically liberal and is seen as a representative of the traditional establishment conservative and pro-business wings of the CDU.

As a young politician in the 1970s and 1980s, he was a staunch supporter of anti-communism, the dominant state doctrine of West Germany and a core tenet of the CDU. His book {{lang|de|Mehr Kapitalismus wagen}} (transl: Venturing More Capitalism) advocates economic liberalism.

Merz says he sees limiting irregular migration as the most important task after the 2025 German federal election.{{Cite news |date=14 December 2024 |agency=dpa |title=Friedrich Merz sieht Bekämpfung irregulärer Migration als wichtigste Aufgabe |trans-title=Friedrich Merz sees combating irregular migration as the most important task |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-merz-sieht-bekaempfung-irregulaerer-migration-als-wichtigste-aufgabe-a-b06c5bda-e0e3-4697-bba4-86b9b151f7c0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214131826/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-merz-sieht-bekaempfung-irregulaerer-migration-als-wichtigste-aufgabe-a-b06c5bda-e0e3-4697-bba4-86b9b151f7c0 |archive-date=14 December 2024 |access-date=5 January 2025 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349}} Merz deems Angela Merkel's policy of open borders during the 2015 European migrant crisis to be fatal. In 2024, Merz called for asylum seekers to be comprehensively rejected directly at the border.{{efn |The right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution is a human right, as defined in article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations (UN).{{cite web |title=Universal Declaration of Human Rights |date=10 December 1948 |website=United Nations |url=https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202092741/https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights |url-status=live}} Germany became a full member of the UN on 18 September 1973. Furthermore, article 16a of the German constitution states that politically persecuted persons have the right to asylum ({{lang|de|Politisch Verfolgte genießen Asylrecht}}),{{cite web |work=Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany |title=Article 16a: Right of Asylum |orig-year=1993 |date=2024 |publisher=Federal Ministry of Justice |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html#p0093 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130161133/https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html#p0093 |url-status=live}} and as Chancellor of Germany, Merz would be sworn to "uphold and defend the constitution" ({{lang|de|"das Grundgesetz [...] wahren und verteidigen"}}),{{cite web |work=Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany |title=Article 56: Oath of office |orig-year=1949 |year=2024 |publisher=Federal Ministry of Justice |url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html#p0273 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=30 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250130161133/https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/englisch_gg/englisch_gg.html#p0273 |url-status=live}} as set out in article 56 of that same constitution, just like Olaf Scholz, the previous Chancellor of Germany, had.{{cite news |title=Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz leistet Amtseid im Bundestag |trans-title=Chancellor Olaf Scholz takes the oath of office in the Bundestag|date=8 December 2021 |work=Der Spiegel |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-olaf-scholz-leistet-amtseid-als-bundeskanzler-a-c06bef1f-713e-4e4e-b1f6-d05daae17da2 |access-date=3 October 2024 |archive-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007091057/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/bundestag-olaf-scholz-leistet-amtseid-als-bundeskanzler-a-c06bef1f-713e-4e4e-b1f6-d05daae17da2 |url-status=live}}}} He believes this would send a signal that would lead to less irregular migration.{{Cite news |last1=Dettmer |first1=Markus |last2=Diekmann |first2=Florian |last3=Fiedler |first3=Maria |last4=Gebauer |first4=Matthias |last5=Hickmann |first5=Christoph |last6=Reiermann |first6=Christian |last7=Schaible |first7=Jonas |date=17 November 2024 |title=(S+) Die Agenda des CDU-Chefs: Wie ein Kanzler Merz Deutschland verändern könnte |trans-title=(S+) The CDU leader's agenda: How a Chancellor Merz could change Germany |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-wie-ein-cdu-kanzler-deutschland-veraendern-koennte-a-d3a42cc4-e1c8-4667-b5ef-d157c81f1bc8 |access-date=18 November 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115120542/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-wie-ein-cdu-kanzler-deutschland-veraendern-koennte-a-d3a42cc4-e1c8-4667-b5ef-d157c81f1bc8 |archive-date=15 November 2024 |language=de |issn=2195-1349}}{{cite news |date=28 August 2024 |title=Migration: Experten halten Grenzschließung durch Notlage für möglich |trans-title=Migration: Experts believe border closure is possible due to emergency |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/migration-experten-halten-grenzschliessung-durch-notlage-fur-moglich-12271235.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828140409/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/migration-experten-halten-grenzschliessung-durch-notlage-fur-moglich-12271235.html |archive-date=28 August 2024 |work=Tagesspiegel.de}} In a 2024 debate about the capacity to accept refugees into Germany, Merz referred to the statement by Saxony's Minister-President Michael Kretschmer, who had spoken out in favour of accepting a maximum of 60,000–100,000 refugees per year. Merz explained that Kretschmer's statement roughly describes "what we can still achieve today with our integration power".{{Cite news |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-fluechtlingszahlen-100.html |title=Merz für Aufnahme von höchstens 100.000 Flüchtlingen pro Jahr |trans-title=Merz for the acceptance of a maximum of 100,000 refugees per year |work=tagesschau.de |date=16 March 2024 |language=de |access-date=17 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316104433/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-fluechtlingszahlen-100.html |archive-date=16 March 2024 |url-status=live}}

Merz's CDU seeks to speed up visa processing for foreign skilled workers.{{cite news |date=17 December 2024 |title=German election: CDU manifesto proposes rightward shift on migration and strong support for Ukraine |url=https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/17/german-election-cdu-manifesto-proposes-rightward-shift-on-migration-and-strong-support-for |work=Euronews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217173014/https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/17/german-election-cdu-manifesto-proposes-rightward-shift-on-migration-and-strong-support-for |archive-date=17 December 2024 |url-status=live}}

In October 2023, following the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, Merz said Germany could not accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, stating, "We have enough antisemitic young men in the country".{{cite news |last1=Jegić |first1=Denijal |date=7 January 2024 |title=Why is Germany so viciously anti-Palestinian? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/1/7/why-is-germany-so-viciously-anti-palestinian |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107123915/https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/1/7/why-is-germany-so-viciously-anti-palestinian |archive-date=7 January 2024 |work=Al-Jazeera}}{{Cite tweet |date=22 October 2023 |first=Friedrich |last=Merz |title='Sollte es Flüchtlinge aus #Gaza geben, dann sind diese zunächst einmal ein Thema für die Nachbarstaaten. Deutschland kann nicht noch mehr #Flüchtlinge aufnehmen. Wir haben genug antisemitische junge Männer im Land!' (tm) |trans-title='If there are refugees from #Gaza, then they are first and foremost an issue for the neighboring countries. Germany cannot take in any more #refugees. We have enough anti-Semitic young men in the country!' |user=_FriedrichMerz |number=1716060045052383650 |access-date=2 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717231549/https://x.com/_FriedrichMerz/status/1716060045052383650 |archive-date=17 July 2024 }} In December 2024, Merz called for deportations of illegal Syrian immigrants to Syria and a freeze on new admissions of refugees. As chancellor, he aims to "regularly deport" people to Afghanistan and Syria.{{Cite web |date=17 December 2024 |title=Merz fordert Syrien-Abschiebungen und Aufnahmestopp – 'nicht durchsetzbar und rechtswidrig' |trans-title=Merz calls for Syria deportations and admission freeze – 'unenforceable and illegal' |url=https://www.merkur.de/politik/friedrich-merz-cdu-abschiebung-syrien-fluechtlinge-asyl-bundestagswahl-2025-zr-93472190.html |access-date=5 January 2025 |website=merkur.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216215642/https://www.merkur.de/politik/friedrich-merz-cdu-abschiebung-syrien-fluechtlinge-asyl-bundestagswahl-2025-zr-93472190.html |archive-date=16 December 2024 |url-status=live}}

Referring to the fact that around 80 percent of the 200,000 applicants for naturalization in 2024 wanted to keep their first citizenship, Merz intends to abolish the fast naturalization (which made it possible for applicants to obtain German citizenship after living in Germany for three to five years){{Cite web |first1=Katja |last1=Belousova |first2=Kathrin |last2=Wolff |date=27 June 2024 |title=Einbürgerung: Schneller zum deutschen Pass - was jetzt gilt |trans-title=Naturalization: Faster access to a German passport - what applies now |url=https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/einbuergerung-deutschland-reform-staatsbuergerschaft-100.html |access-date=5 January 2025 |website=ZDFheute |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105203234/https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/politik/einbuergerung-deutschland-reform-staatsbuergerschaft-100.html |archive-date=5 January 2025 |url-status=live }} that the traffic light coalition implemented in 2024. Weeks before the 2025 election, he also advocated for a denaturalization (which would require an amendment to the basic law){{Cite news |date=5 January 2025 |title=Friedrich Merz: CDU-Chef will Ausbürgerung ermöglichen |trans-title=Friedrich Merz: CDU leader wants to enable denaturalization |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-will-ausbuergerung-ermoeglichen-a-d887cae0-8e6f-4f1f-ab5b-1de8da5efde7 |access-date=5 January 2025 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105160840/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-will-ausbuergerung-ermoeglichen-a-d887cae0-8e6f-4f1f-ab5b-1de8da5efde7 |archive-date=5 January 2025 |url-status=live}} in cases in which those with multiple citizenship commit crimes after obtaining German citizenship.{{Cite web |title=Friedrich Merz: 'Aberkennung der deutschen Staatsbürgerschaft müsste dann möglich sein' |trans-title=Friedrich Merz: 'Revocation of German citizenship should then be possible' |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus255024542/Friedrich-Merz-Aberkennung-der-deutschen-Staatsbuergerschaft-muesste-dann-moeglich-sein.html |access-date=5 January 2025 |website=Die Welt |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104064126/https://www.welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus255024542/Friedrich-Merz-Aberkennung-der-deutschen-Staatsbuergerschaft-muesste-dann-moeglich-sein.html |archive-date=4 January 2025 |url-status=live}}

After the January 2025 Aschaffenburg stabbing attack, perpetrated by an Afghani migrant who had no residence permits in Germany (and after a series of similar attacks within a few years (de)), Merz called the EU asylum rules—the Dublin, Schengen, and Eurodac agreements—"visibly dysfunctional", stating "Germany must, therefore, make use of its right to the primacy of national law". He announced that under his "leadership, there will be fundamental changes to the right of entry, asylum and residence in the Federal Republic of Germany". Merz said that if he were elected chancellor, on the first day of his term in office, he would instruct the Federal Ministry of the Interior to "permanently control the German state borders", and, "to reject all attempts at illegal entry without exception". There would be "a de facto ban on entry into the Federal Republic of Germany for anyone who does not have valid entry documents".{{Cite web |last=Roßmann |first=Robert |date=23 January 2025 |title=Nach Aschaffenburg - Merz über irreguläre Migration: 'Das Maß ist endgültig voll' |trans-title=To Aschaffenburg - Merz on irregular migration: 'The cup is finally full' |url=https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/merz-aschaffenburg-abschiebungen-fluechtlingspolitik-bundestagswahl-li.3188100?reduced=true |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=Süddeutsche Zeitung |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123115058/https://www.sueddeutsche.de/politik/merz-aschaffenburg-abschiebungen-fluechtlingspolitik-bundestagswahl-li.3188100?reduced=true |archive-date=23 January 2025 |url-status=live}} He announced a tightening of detention for departure and deportation, and he wants more powers for the federal police. Regarding that, the federal police would be given the right to apply for arrest warrants. Those required to leave the country would no longer be allowed to move freely within the country, and the number of places for deportation detention would increase rapidly.{{Cite news |date=23 January 2025 |title=Merz will als Kanzler »faktisches Einreiseverbot« für Illegale verhängen |trans-title=As Chancellor, Merz wants to impose a "de facto entry ban" for illegal immigrants |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-will-als-kanzler-faktisches-einreiseverbot-fuer-illegal-einreisende-verhaengen-a-46b54beb-2a47-4148-910b-2b024798f632 |access-date=29 January 2025 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123155134/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-will-als-kanzler-faktisches-einreiseverbot-fuer-illegal-einreisende-verhaengen-a-46b54beb-2a47-4148-910b-2b024798f632 |archive-date=23 January 2025 |url-status=live}}

Merz opposed the Bürgergeld (unemployment payment) and, like the CDU,{{Cite web |date=18 March 2024 |title=Wohlstand ohne Leistung ist eine Illusion |trans-title=Prosperity without performance is an illusion |url=https://www.cdu.de/artikel/wohlstand-ohne-leistung-ist-eine-illusion |access-date=19 March 2024 |work=cdu.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319094037/https://www.cdu.de/artikel/wohlstand-ohne-leistung-ist-eine-illusion |archive-date=19 March 2024 |url-status=live}} wants to see it abolished and replaced by another system called New Basic Security.{{Cite web |last=Glaser |first=Emeli |date=10 November 2024 |title=Änderungen beim Bürgergeld: Das kommt auf Empfänger zu, wenn Friedrich Merz Kanzler wird |trans-title=Changes to the Citizen's Allowance: This is what recipients will have to expect if Friedrich Merz becomes Chancellor |url=https://www.suedkurier.de/ueberregional/wirtschaft/geld-finanzen/aenderungen-beim-buergergeld-das-kommt-auf-empfaenger-zu-wenn-friedrich-merz-kanzler-wird-10-11-24;art1373668,12185953 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=SÜDKURIER Online |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112131613/https://www.suedkurier.de/ueberregional/wirtschaft/geld-finanzen/aenderungen-beim-buergergeld-das-kommt-auf-empfaenger-zu-wenn-friedrich-merz-kanzler-wird-10-11-24;art1373668,12185953 |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} The trade union ver.di described CDU plans for basic security as "inhumane and unconstitutional".{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024 |title=Die Neue Grundsicherung |trans-title=The New Basic Security Plan |url=https://arbeitsmarkt-und-sozialpolitik.verdi.de/ueber-uns/nachrichten/++co++7d23dfb8-eac8-11ee-8ae0-c502a8b1e0e2 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=arbeitsmarkt-und-sozialpolitik.verdi.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112131613/https://www.suedkurier.https://web.archive.org/web/20241112141604/https://arbeitsmarkt-und-sozialpolitik.verdi.de/ueber-uns/nachrichten/++co++7d23dfb8-eac8-11ee-8ae0-c502a8b1e0e2 |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} Merz wants to altogether cancel unemployment payments to those who could work but do not. According to Merz, there are 1.7 million recipients who meet that definition.

Merz has been accused of veering between inclusive rhetoric and dog whistling. On a TV talk show, he said that female teachers in German schools were experiencing a lack of respect from "little pashas", apparently referring to sons of Muslim parents, and allegedly made "xenophobic" remarks calling rejected asylum seekers "social tourists" who come to Germany to "get their teeth done". Weeks before, Merz had referred to some Ukrainian refugees as "welfare tourists" and said that many had come to Germany seeking safety, only to then travel back and forth between both countries after securing social benefits, remarks that he later said he regretted. Merz had also complained about "problems with foreigners" and insisted on a German {{lang |de |Leitkultur}} ({{lit |lead culture}}), a term that many argue calls for compulsory assimilation.{{Cite web |date=16 December 2024 |title=Friedrich Merz: German conservative gunning to become chancellor |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241216-friedrich-merz-german-conservative-gunning-to-become-chancellor |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=France 24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216181814/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20241216-friedrich-merz-german-conservative-gunning-to-become-chancellor |archive-date=16 December 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Merkel nemesis Friedrich Merz aims to be German chancellor |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cdu-friedrich-merz-angela-merkel-rival-german-election-2025-chancellor-v2/a-70845544 |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=dw.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241125150408/https://www.dw.com/en/cdu-friedrich-merz-angela-merkel-rival-german-election-2025-chancellor-v2/a-70845544 |archive-date=25 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Kampfner |first=John |date=26 December 2024 |title=This Really Isn't Angela Merkel's Center Right Anymore |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/12/germany-cdu-merz-merkel-afd-migration/ |access-date=25 December 2024 |website=Foreign Policy |archive-date=12 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240212135402/https://foreignpolicy.com/2024/02/12/germany-cdu-merz-merkel-afd-migration/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Connolly |first=Kate |date=10 December 2024 |title=Who is Friedrich Merz, the pilot politician tipped to be German chancellor? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/10/who-is-friedrich-merz-germany-next-chancellor-scholz-merkel |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210052751/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/10/who-is-friedrich-merz-germany-next-chancellor-scholz-merkel |archive-date=10 December 2024 |url-status=live}} In the 1990s, Merz was in the minority even in his conservative CDU when he voted against liberalizing the abortion law, against preimplantation genetic diagnostics and criminalizing marital rape.{{Cite web |date=9 February 2025 |title=Friedrich Merz: Germany's Christian Democratic Union leader who flirted with far right |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxnzkyw7n1o |access-date=3 March 2025 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250209115242/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxnzkyw7n1o |archive-date=9 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

File:Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats is welcomed to the Conference by Friedrich Merz and Robert Kimmitt (33874247284).jpg and Robert M. Kimmitt at the German-American Conference in Berlin in May 2017|left]]

Merz is a staunch supporter of the European Union, NATO and the liberal international order. In 2018, he described himself as "a truly convinced European, a convinced transatlanticist, and a German open to the world" and said that "I stand for a cosmopolitan Germany whose roots lie in Christian ethics and the European Enlightenment and whose most important political allies are the democracies of the West. I gladly use this expression again: The democracies of the West".{{cite web|url=https://www.blick.ch/news/ausland/wird-er-merkels-nachfolger-friedrich-merz-kandidiert-fuer-den-cdu-parteivorsitz-id9051960.html|title=Wer ist Friedrich Merz? Merkels Nachfolger für den CDU-Parteivorsitz|trans-title=Who is Friedrich Merz? Merkel's successor for the CDU party chairmanship |website=blick.ch |date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104130005/https://www.blick.ch/news/ausland/wird-er-merkels-nachfolger-friedrich-merz-kandidiert-fuer-den-cdu-parteivorsitz-id9051960.html |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live}} He advocates a closer union and especially closer relations between Germany and France. In 2018, he co-authored an article in defence of the European project, which among other things called for "an army for Europe".{{cite web|url=https://www.handelsblatt.com/today/opinion/time-to-wake-up-we-are-deeply-concerned-about-the-future-of-europe-and-germany/23583722.html|title=Time to wake up: We are deeply concerned about the future of Europe and Germany|website=Handelsblatt |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123542/https://www.handelsblatt.com/today/opinion/time-to-wake-up-we-are-deeply-concerned-about-the-future-of-europe-and-germany/23583722.html |archive-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=dead}}

Merz is known for hawkish stances on authoritarian countries, in particular Russia and China. In 2023, Merz called for Germany to involve key allies, especially France, in negotiations with China as part of a rethinking of ties with the country that reflected a global "paradigm shift" in security and foreign policy.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-main-opposition-leader-calls-european-coalition-china-ties-2023-03-31/ |author=Andreas Rinke |date=31 March 2023 |title=Germany's main opposition leader calls for European coalition on China ties|work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331144103/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-main-opposition-leader-calls-european-coalition-china-ties-2023-03-31/ |archive-date=31 March 2023 |url-status=live}} He called China "an increasing threat to [German] security",{{cite news |title=Will Merz's tough talk on China fizzle out if he becomes leader of Germany? |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3292397/will-merzs-tough-talk-china-fizzle-out-if-he-becomes-leader-germany |work=South China Morning Post |date=6 January 2025 |archive-date=6 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106133218/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3292397/will-merzs-tough-talk-china-fizzle-out-if-he-becomes-leader-germany |url-status=live}} and criticized Scholz's decision to allow China's COSCO to take a stake in the port of Hamburg.

In February 2025, Merz said that Germany would negotiate with France and the United Kingdom about extending their nuclear umbrella to Germany.{{cite news |title=Merz considers extension of French, British nuclear umbrella to Germany |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/merz-considers-extension-of-french-british-nuclear-umbrella-to-germany/ |work=Euractiv |date=21 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228113854/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/merz-considers-extension-of-french-british-nuclear-umbrella-to-germany/ |archive-date=28 February 2025 |url-status=live}} Merz said, "We need to have discussions with both the British and the French—the two European nuclear powers—about whether nuclear sharing, or at least nuclear security from the U.K. and France, could also apply to us".{{cite news |title=Europe should brace for Trump to end NATO protection, Germany's Merz warns |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-brace-us-trump-end-nato-germany-friedrich-merz-election/ |work=Politico |date=21 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221111931/https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-brace-us-trump-end-nato-germany-friedrich-merz-election/ |archive-date=21 February 2025 |url-status=live}} The move to reconvene the old Bundestag were criticized. Merz received international support for the financial package from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.{{cite news|work=deutschlandfunk.de |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/lob-von-rutte-und-von-der-leyen-100.html|title=Finanzpaket von Union und SPD - Lob von Rutte und von der Leyen|trans-title=Financial package from the CDU/CSU and SPD - praise from Rutte and von der Leyen|date=2025-03-18|language=de|access-date=2025-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330144844/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/lob-von-rutte-und-von-der-leyen-100.html|archive-date=30 March 2025|url-status=live}}

Long considered one of the most pro-American politicians in Germany and "exceptionally pro-American for a European leader",{{cite news |title=Friedrich Merz: Who is Germany's election winner and how will he fare against AfD leader Alice Weidel? |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-election-merz-chancellor-weidel-who-cdu-b2703412.html |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226040155/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/germany-election-merz-chancellor-weidel-who-cdu-b2703412.html |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}} he has been the chairman of the Atlantik-Brücke association which promotes German-American friendship and Atlanticism. He counts former US President Ronald Reagan as one of his role models and has travelled to the US over 100 times.{{cite news |title=New German leader signals seismic shift in transatlantic relations |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv4n0dg3v3o |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226030907/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv4n0dg3v3o |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

He is critical of the Trump administration and has likened the Trump-led United States to Germany's primary adversary, Putin’s Russia.{{fact|date=March 2025}} Merz said the Trump administration does not care about Europe and is aligning with Russia and that the continent must urgently strengthen its defences and potentially even find a replacement for NATO, within months. Merz has criticized the Trump-led United States for alleged election interference after American government officials tried to bolster the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, regarded as extremist by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, comparing it to Russian election interference.{{cite news |title=After Germany's Right-Wing Gains in Elections, New Conservative Leader Vows to 'Achieve Independence' From U.S. Under Trump's Rule |url=https://variety.com/2025/global/news/germany-us-friedrich-merz-trump-berlinale-1236318647/ |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=Variety |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226041127/https://variety.com/2025/global/news/germany-us-friedrich-merz-trump-berlinale-1236318647/ |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Germany's Merz calls for 'independence' from US as conservatives win vote |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/germanys-merz-calls-for-independence-from-us-as-conservatives-win-vote |access-date=24 February 2025 |work=Al Jazeera |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224051738/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/germanys-merz-calls-for-independence-from-us-as-conservatives-win-vote |archive-date=24 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

Merz has criticized Donald Trump more harshly than Angela Merkel did and has especially criticized Trump's trade war against Europe.{{cite web|date=1 November 2018 |title=Merkel's Would-Be Successor Is a Real Conservative |first=Leonid |last=Bershidsky |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2018-11-01/merkel-s-would-be-successor-merz-is-a-real-german-conservative|access-date=8 December 2018|website=Bloomberg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104131355/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2018-11-01/merkel-s-would-be-successor-merz-is-a-real-german-conservative |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live}} In fall of 2024 he said with regards to relations to the US and Russia, he would try to make himself "a little more independent from America", as America would be "in election mode" and "not the regulatory power that we were actually used to". When polls during the 2024 German government crisis predicted that Merz would be the most likely to become the next chancellor, he said that Germany "must go from being a sleeping middle power to becoming a leading middle power again". Germany "never really articulated and enforced its interests well enough [...] The aim is not to benefit only one side, but to make arrangements that are good for both sides. Trump would call it a deal".{{Cite web |date=10 November 2024 |title=Trump, Rente, Jobs: Friedrich Merz und sein Kanzlerplan |trans-title=Trump, pensions, jobs: Friedrich Merz and his chancellorship plans |url=https://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-erklaert-seinen-kanzlerplan--trump--rente--jobs-35212552.html |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=stern.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113214023/https://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-erklaert-seinen-kanzlerplan--trump--rente--jobs-35212552.html |archive-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In January 2025 he said regarding the United States, "We Europeans must be united [...] and those who travel to Washington must not only represent their own interests but the interests of the whole European Union“.{{Cite web |title=CDU-Chef Merz im Interview: 'Wir brauchen eine große Kraftanstrengung' |trans-title=CDU leader Merz in an interview: 'We need a major effort' |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestagswahl/parteien/interview-merz-tagesthemen-100.html |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250113170936/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/bundestagswahl/parteien/interview-merz-tagesthemen-100.html |archive-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=live}}

File:Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz Discussed Military Assistance and Steps to Establish a Just Peace.jpg in Kyiv, Ukraine on 9 December 2024]]

Following the start of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Merz adopted strong pro-Ukrainian and anti-Russian positions, urging Chancellor Olaf Scholz to supply Ukraine with weapons and personally travelling to Kyiv in May to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.{{Cite web |last=Von der Burchard |first=Hans |date=6 May 2022 |title=Merz on the march: German opposition chief plays Ukraine card before elections |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-opposition-leader-friedrich-merz-attacks-government-from-the-sleeping-coach-ukraine/ |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=Politico |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506040852/https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-opposition-leader-friedrich-merz-attacks-government-from-the-sleeping-coach-ukraine/ |archive-date=6 May 2022 |url-status=live}}

While Merz, as opposition leader, had demanded that the German government of Scholz deliver German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine,{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=Taurus-Lieferung abgelehnt: Merz kritisiert Scholz 'Zeitenwende' |trans-title=Taurus delivery rejected: Merz criticizes Scholz's 'turning point' |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/taurus-lieferung-abgelehnt-merz-kritisiert-scholz-zeitenwende-19537190.html |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223211803/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/taurus-lieferung-abgelehnt-merz-kritisiert-scholz-zeitenwende-19537190.html |archive-date=23 February 2024 |url-status=live}} he himself said that he would not necessarily deliver Taurus cruise missiles if he were chancellor. As chancellor, he would provide them if Russia or Vladimir Putin did not comply with Germany's and other European countries' request to stop attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and on the condition that France and Great Britain, for their part, lift the range limitation on the weapons they delivered to Ukraine. Merz said he would, as chancellor, try to bring about a European decision on the matter of the question of whether to allow Ukraine to strike against targets deep within Russian territory with Western weapons. He said he would also signal Putin his willingness to talk beforehand.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2024 |title=Merz würde 'Taurus' liefern - aber 'nicht einfach so' |trans-title=Merz would deliver 'Taurus' to Ukraine - but 'not just like that!' |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merz-taurus-miosga-100.html |access-date=19 October 2024 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113135346/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merz-taurus-miosga-100.html |archive-date=13 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In December 2024 he said that Germany is letting Ukraine fight with one arm strapped on its back. Germany should instead give Ukraine the possibility to defend itself effectively with weapons from Germany.{{Cite web |date=9 December 2024 |title=Merz zur Ukraine: 'Der Weg in die NATO ist unumkehrbar' |trans-title=Merz on Ukraine: "The path to NATO is irreversible") |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/merz-tagesthemen-ukraine-100.html |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209195356/https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/merz-tagesthemen-ukraine-100.html |archive-date=9 December 2024 |url-status=live}}

{{Seealso|Germany and the Gaza war}}

Merz is a staunch supporter of Israel.{{cite news |title=Merz says he will find a way for Netanyahu to visit Germany without being arrested |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/election-winner-merz-invites-netanyahu-germany-says-israelis-office-2025-02-24/ |work=Reuters |date=24 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224131157/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/election-winner-merz-invites-netanyahu-germany-says-israelis-office-2025-02-24/ |archive-date=24 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Germany and Israel after the Bundestag election: Will realpolitik replace illusions? - analysis |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/article-843277 |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=22 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306220748/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-843277 |archive-date=6 March 2025 |url-status=live}} He does not see any role for Germany as a mediator in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. However, Merz has opined that the "two-state solution remains the right long-term goal for peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. The Palestinians' recognition of Israel's right to exist is a basic prerequisite on the way there".{{Cite web |last=Lilienström |first=Sven |date=21 April 2024 |title=Friedrich Merz, Vorsitzender der CDU Deutschlands |trans-title=Friedrich Merz, Chairman of the CDU Germany |url=https://www.faces-of-democracy.org/friedrich-merz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112103741/https://www.faces-of-democracy.org/friedrich-merz/ |archive-date=12 November 2024 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Gesichter der Demokratie |language=de}}

In 2023, he said, in response to the United States' admonition to Israel to abide by international law, the US had a different relationship to Israel than Germany, and that Germany has an obligation to help the country "without ifs and buts".{{Cite web |date=11 November 2023 |title=CDU-Chef Merz verlangt klare Botschaft von Kanzler Scholz an Präsident Erdogan |trans-title=War in the MidEast - Merz: Germany will not be able to play a mediating role |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/interview-merz-friedrich-cdu-bundesvors-vors-der-unions-bundestagsfraktion-dlf-d43e9dcb-100.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111101433/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/merz-deutschland-wird-keine-vermittlerrolle-spielen-koennen-100.html |archive-date=11 November 2023 |access-date=10 November 2024 |website=Deutschlandfunk |language=de}} In October 2024, Merz successfully urged the German government to resume weapons deliveries to Israel, including spare parts for tanks.{{cite news |date=11 October 2024 |title=Streit um Israel: Merz erzwingt Waffen-Zusicherung von Scholz |trans-title=Disputes over Israel: Merz forces weapons assurance from Scholz |url=https://www.fr.de/politik/streit-um-israel-merz-erzwingt-waffen-zusicherung-von-scholz-zr-93348379.html |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=Frankfurter Rundschau |language=de |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241116021721/https://www.fr.de/politik/streit-um-israel-merz-erzwingt-waffen-zusicherung-von-scholz-zr-93348379.html |archive-date=16 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |first=Riham |last=Alkousaa |date=11 October 2024 |title=Germany will send more weapons to Israel soon, Scholz says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-will-send-more-weapons-israel-soon-scholz-says-2024-10-10/ |access-date=16 October 2024 |work=Reuters|archive-url=https://archive.today/20241010212404/https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-will-send-more-weapons-israel-soon-scholz-says-2024-10-10/ |archive-date=10 October 2024 |url-status=live}} He proposed stripping dual nationals of their German citizenship for protesting against Israel.{{cite news |title=Germany's Next Government Could Be Even Worse on Palestine |url=https://jacobin.com/2025/02/germany-palestine-merz-antisemitism-repression |work=Jacobin |date=27 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250330190338/https://jacobin.com/2025/02/germany-palestine-merz-antisemitism-repression |archive-date=30 March 2025 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Germany's next government could make it easier to strip citizenship from dual nationals |url=https://www.thelocal.de/20250327/germanys-next-government-could-make-it-easier-to-strip-citizenship-from-dual-nationals |work=The Local |date=27 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250402100949/https://www.thelocal.de/20250327/germanys-next-government-could-make-it-easier-to-strip-citizenship-from-dual-nationals |archive-date=2 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

He criticized the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes during the Gaza war.{{cite news |title=Merz says Netanyahu will be able to visit Germany despite ICC warrant |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/merz-says-netanyahu-will-be-able-to-visit-germany-despite-icc-warrant |work=Al Jazeera |date=24 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250224152344/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/merz-says-netanyahu-will-be-able-to-visit-germany-despite-icc-warrant |archive-date=24 February 2025 |url-status=live}} In February 2025, one day after the 2025 German federal election, he announced his will to invite Netanyahu to Germany, "as an open challenge" to the decision of the ICC.{{Cite web |title=Merz will offenbar Netanjahu nach Deutschland einladen |trans-title=Merz apparently wants to invite Netanyahu to Germany |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merz-einladung-netanjahu-100.html |access-date=24 February 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226042727/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/merz-einladung-netanjahu-100.html |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Merz invites Netanyahu to Germany despite ICC arrest warrant |url=https://www.dw.com/en/merz-invites-netanyahu-to-germany-despite-icc-arrest-warrant/a-71788069 |access-date=1 March 2025 |website=DW News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250301145735/https://www.dw.com/en/merz-invites-netanyahu-to-germany-despite-icc-arrest-warrant/a-71788069 |archive-date=1 March 2025 |url-status=live}}

In December 2024, after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, he called on Europe to strengthen its ties with Turkey "to bring political pacification to this region".{{Cite web |date=10 December 2024 |title=Merz für mehr Zusammenarbeit: 'Türkei ist gestärkt und wird noch größere Rolle spielen' |trans-title=Merz for more cooperation: "Törkye (Turkey) is strengthened and will play an even greater role" |url=https://dtj-online.de/merz-fuer-mehr-zusammenarbeit-tuerkei-ist-gestaerkt-und-wird-noch-groessere-rolle-spielen/ |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=DTJ Online |language=de|archive-date=10 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210105602/https://dtj-online.de/merz-fuer-mehr-zusammenarbeit-tuerkei-ist-gestaerkt-und-wird-noch-groessere-rolle-spielen/ |first=Erbil |last=Basay |url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=10 December 2024 |title=German opposition leader calls for closer cooperation with Türkiye to secure Middle East peace |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-opposition-leader-calls-for-closer-cooperation-with-turkiye-to-secure-middle-east-peace/3419639 |work=Anadolu Agency|archive-date=10 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210055428/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/german-opposition-leader-calls-for-closer-cooperation-with-turkiye-to-secure-middle-east-peace/3419639 |url-status=live}}

File:EPP Congress Bucharest - Day 1 (53580910504).jpg and Manfred Weber at the European People's Party Congress in Bucharest in 2024]]

Merz called the phase-out of nuclear power in Germany a "grave strategic mistake".{{cite news |title=Germany's chancellor-in-waiting backtracks on nuclear |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/eet/news/germanys-chancellor-in-waiting-backtracks-on-nuclear/ |work=Euractiv |date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117163621/https://www.euractiv.com/section/eet/news/germanys-chancellor-in-waiting-backtracks-on-nuclear/ |url-status=live}}

In April 2023, Merz declared that everyone in the CDU takes the issue of climate change very seriously. However, he went on to claim that the issue of climate change is overrated in the political debate and that the German population does not see the problem as significant as politicians do. Merz went on to deny that time is running out for successful climate change measures and that the country will be on the right track if it makes the right decisions over the next decade.{{cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/news/2023-04/27/cdu-chef-merz-nehmen-klimaschutz-sehr-ernst |title=CDU-Chef Merz: Nehmen Klimaschutz 'sehr ernst' |trans-title=CDU leader Merz: Take climate protection "very seriously" |work=Die Zeit |date=27 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427224308/https://www.zeit.de/news/2023-04/27/cdu-chef-merz-nehmen-klimaschutz-sehr-ernst |archive-date=27 April 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/merz-sieht-klimaschutz-in-politik-uberbewertet-es-ist-eben-nicht-so-dass-morgen-die-welt-untergeht-9725627.html |title=Merz sieht Klimaschutz in Politik überbewertet: 'Es ist eben nicht so, dass morgen die Welt untergeht' |trans-title=Merz sees climate protection overrated in politics: 'It's not the case that the world will end tomorrow' |work=Der Tagesspiegel |date=26 April 2023 |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426162121/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/merz-sieht-klimaschutz-in-politik-uberbewertet-es-ist-eben-nicht-so-dass-morgen-die-welt-untergeht-9725627.html |archive-date=26 April 2023 |url-status=live}}

In 2023, Merz opposed the proposed EU phase-out of fossil fuel vehicles and hybrid vehicles by 2035, stating that the fight for net-zero emissions "must be achieved with technology and open-mindedness, not bans".{{Cite tweet |user=CDU |number=1625142054597668864 |title=.@_FriedrichMerz zum geplanten EU-Verbot von #Verbrennungsmotoren: Wir wollen das Ziel der CO2-Neutralität technologieoffen erreichen – nicht mit Verboten. Auch nicht mit dem Verbot des Verbrennungsmotors.|trans-title=We want to achieve the goal of CO2 neutrality in a technology-neutral way – not with bans. Not even with a ban on the combustion engines.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614002110/https://x.com/CDU/status/1625142054597668864 |archive-date=14 June 2024 |url-status=live}}

He blamed the crisis at Volkswagen on the Scholz government's focus on electromobility.{{cite news |title=Policies of German opposition chief and possible next chancellor Merz |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/policies-german-opposition-chief-possible-next-chancellor-merz-2024-09-17/ |work=Reuters |date=17 September 2024 |archive-date=18 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240918011748/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/policies-german-opposition-chief-possible-next-chancellor-merz-2024-09-17/ |url-status=live}}

Merz supports a business-friendly adaptation of the European Green Deal.{{cite news |title=Meet the conservative German trio that could rule Europe |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/meet-the-conservative-german-trio-that-could-rule-europe/ |work=Euractiv |date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117063714/https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/meet-the-conservative-german-trio-that-could-rule-europe/ |url-status=live}}

In November 2018, he reiterated that the CDU must clearly distance itself from the Alternative for Germany (AfD), reiterating allegations that the latter is openly National Socialist and has antisemitic undertones.{{cite web |date=12 November 2018 |title=Merz bezeichnet AfD als 'offen nationalsozialistisch' |trans-title=Merz describes AfD as 'openly Nazis' |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/cdu-politiker-merz-bezeichnet-afd-als-offen-nationalsozialistisch/23622712.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110101517/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/cdu-politiker-merz-bezeichnet-afd-als-offen-nationalsozialistisch/23622712.html |archive-date=10 November 2024 |access-date=12 February 2020 |website=Tagesspiegel}} In 2019, he claimed that it was right for the CDU to refuse co-operation with the AfD.{{cite web|access-date=14 May 2020 |author=lau |date=7 July 2019 |title=Merz: 'Ich hätte auch längst im Bundestag einen AfD-Vizepräsidenten gewählt' |trans-title=Merz: 'I would have elected an AfD vice president in the Bundestag long ago' |url=https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/haette-laengst-afd-vizepraesidenten-gewaehlt-merz-fordert-unaufgeregteren-umgang-mit-afd_id_10903897.html |website=Focus Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112110534/https://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/haette-laengst-afd-vizepraesidenten-gewaehlt-merz-fordert-unaufgeregteren-umgang-mit-afd_id_10903897.html |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} However, in the same year Merz spoke in favour of a "more calm approach" to the AfD: "I would have long since elected an AfD vice president in the Bundestag (federal parliament). [...] This party was elected with 12.6 percent. It has neither been banned nor classified as unconstitutional. It has millions of voters behind it who should not be made to play the victim". In December 2021, shortly before taking over the party chairmanship, he said: "The state associations [of the CDU], especially in the east, are getting a crystal clear message from us: If anyone raises a hand to work with the AfD, then a party exclusion procedure will take place the next day".{{citation|access-date=4 September 2024 |author=Veit Medick |date=23 December 2021 |issn=2195-1349 |periodical=Der Spiegel |title=CDU: Friedrich Merz geht auf Angela Merkel zu und will Brandmauer Richtung AfD |trans-title=CDU: Friedrich Merz approaches Angela Merkel and wants to build a firewall towards the AfD |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-geht-auf-angela-merkel-zu-a-86dd9f24-51b1-4df8-b509-923bfca2e2fb |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112094256/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-geht-auf-angela-merkel-zu-a-86dd9f24-51b1-4df8-b509-923bfca2e2fb |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} However, Merz did not take action against the steadily increasing local cooperation between CDU politicians and AfD politicians from the following year onwards, partially due to the AfD's rising electoral performance. In June 2023, he declared that cooperation between the two parties would only be prohibited in "legislative bodies", by which he meant the EU, federal and state levels. A month later, after being criticized over an apparent failure to implement his "announcement" from December 2021, he reiterated his differentiation regarding political levels and claimed that in local parliaments, "of course [...] we must look for ways to jointly shape the city, the state and the district".{{cite web|access-date=23 July 2023 |date=23 July 2023 |title=Merz für pragmatischen Umgang mit AfD in Kommunen |trans-title=Merz calls for pragmatic approach to AfD in municipalities |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-afd-kommunen-100.html |website=Tagesschau |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110101458/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/merz-afd-kommunen-100.html |archive-date=10 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|access-date=24 July 2023 |language=de |title=ZDF-Sommerinterview mit Friedrich Merz |trans-title=ZDF Summer Interview with Friedrich Merz |url=https://www.zdf.de/uri/969c7ae8-be44-4fe7-8661-9fdf5b26d713 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110101519/https://www.zdf.de/uri/969c7ae8-be44-4fe7-8661-9fdf5b26d713 |archive-date=10 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=24 July 2023 |title=German centre-right leader says he is willing to work with far-right AfD at local level |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/24/german-centre-right-leader-says-he-is-willing-to-work-with-far-right-afd-at-local-level |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724002911/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/24/german-centre-right-leader-says-he-is-willing-to-work-with-far-right-afd-at-local-level |archive-date=24 July 2023 |access-date=24 July 2023 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Merz was criticized by large parts of his own party, who feared a crumbling of the firewall against the far right.{{cite web|access-date=24 July 2023 |date=24 July 2023 |title=Breite Kritik an Merz-Äußerungen zur AfD aus eigener Partei |trans-title=Widespread criticism of Merz's comments on the AfD from within his own party |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-breite-kritik-aeusserungen-von-friedrich-merz-zur-zusammenarbeit-mit-der-afd-a-bfcdac8d-4285-4256-825a-16f0bfeffb13 |website=Der Spiegel |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110101521/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-breite-kritik-aeusserungen-von-friedrich-merz-zur-zusammenarbeit-mit-der-afd-a-bfcdac8d-4285-4256-825a-16f0bfeffb13 |archive-date=10 November 2024 |url-status=live}} Minister-President of Saxony, Michael Kretschmer (CDU), however, declared that a refusal of cross-party cooperation in substantive decisions at the local level was not sustainable in a democracy.{{citation|access-date=25 July 2023 |date=25 July 2023 |issn=2195-1349 |periodical=Der Spiegel |title=Sachsens CDU-Ministerpräsident: Kretschmer wirbt für »pragmatischen Umgang« mit der AfD |trans-title=Saxony's CDU Minister-President: Kretschmer advocates "pragmatic approach" to the AfD |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-und-afd-michael-kretschmer-wirbt-fuer-pragmatischen-umgang-mit-der-rechtspartei-a-5a478c15-9677-4d2c-9ea1-e912f51f9058 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111074108/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/cdu-und-afd-michael-kretschmer-wirbt-fuer-pragmatischen-umgang-mit-der-rechtspartei-a-5a478c15-9677-4d2c-9ea1-e912f51f9058 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In June 2023, Merz retracted his promise in 2018 to halve the AfD, claiming that his party in the opposition could not halve the AfD if the government counteracted by "strengthening it" with its policies.{{Cite web |date=23 June 2023 |title='Wir können so nicht weitermachen': Ist die Ampelregierung schuld an starker AfD? |trans-title="We can't go on like this": Is the traffic light government to blame for the strong AfD? |url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_100196392/friedrich-merz-fuer-starke-afd-ist-die-ampel-verantwortlich.html |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=t-online |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623182358/https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_100196392/friedrich-merz-fuer-starke-afd-ist-die-ampel-verantwortlich.html |archive-date=23 June 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=17 June 2023 |title=Merz und seine Brandmauer: Wie halbiert man die AfD? |trans-title=Merz and his firewall: How to halve the AfD? |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/merz-und-seine-brandmauer-wie-halbiert-man-die-afd-18969309.html |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621090643/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/inland/merz-und-seine-brandmauer-wie-halbiert-man-die-afd-18969309.html |archive-date=21 June 2023 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=23 June 2023 |title=Plötzlich kleinlaut: Merz nimmt Versprechen zur Halbierung der AfD zurück |trans-title=Suddenly subdued: Merz retracts promise to halve AfD! |url=https://www.merkur.de/politik/cdu-union-chef-merz-versprechen-halbierung-afd-umfragen-bundestagswahl-92360082.html |access-date=31 January 2025 |website=merkur.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623185437/https://www.merkur.de/politik/cdu-union-chef-merz-versprechen-halbierung-afd-umfragen-bundestagswahl-92360082.html |archive-date=23 June 2023 |url-status=live}}

Before the federal election, Merz repeatedly ruled out any possibility of a coalition between CDU and AfD.{{Cite web |date=2 February 2025 |title=Merz schließt Zusammenarbeit mit AfD bei Unionsregierung aus |trans-title=Merz rules out cooperation with AfD in Union government |url=https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/politik/merz-schliesst-zusammenarbeit-mit-afd-erneut-aus/ |access-date=3 February 2025 |website=Jüdische Allgemeine |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226043028/https://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/politik/merz-schliesst-zusammenarbeit-mit-afd-erneut-aus/ |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}} Merz passionately stated in early January 2025, that under his leadership "there won't be a cooperation between the CDU and the AfD" – stating that the CDU would "sell its soul" in doing so – and that he "ties his destiny as party chairman" to this commitment. The CDU later that month, after a deadly knife attack perpetrated by an Afghan migrant, who had no residence permit, issued a motion regarding migration into the federal parliament, which attained a majority due to the AfD voting alongside the CDU.{{Cite web |date=29 January 2025 |title=Das Ende der "Brandmauer"? Merz' Asylpolitik und die AfD |trans-title=The end of the "firewall"? Merz's asylum policy and the AfD |url=https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/merz-cdu-grenzschliessungen-afd-100.html |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=Deutschlandfunk |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124165755/https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/merz-cdu-grenzschliessungen-afd-100.html |archive-date=24 January 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Halasz |first=Gabor |title=Bundestag zur Asylpolitik: Ein Tabubruch mit Ansage |trans-title=Bundestag on asylum policy: A taboo break with announcement |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/bundestag-debatte-migration-102.html |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129191859/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/bundestag-debatte-migration-102.html |archive-date=29 January 2025 |url-status=live}} With this motion, Merz ignored his own proposal, that he uttered in November 2024, to only put questions to the vote that would find a majority without the AfD.{{Cite news |last=Ruhnow |first=Evelin |date=31 January 2025 |title=Friedrich Merz: Sammlung seiner Aussagen zur Zusammenarbeit mit der AfD |trans-title=Mr. Friedrich Merz: Collection of his statements on cooperation with the AfD |url=https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-sammlung-seiner-aussagen-zur-zusammenarbeit-mit-der-afd-a-52810f3c-6fbf-4668-82bf-22792883333f |access-date=22 February 2025 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218100645/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-sammlung-seiner-aussagen-zur-zusammenarbeit-mit-der-afd-a-52810f3c-6fbf-4668-82bf-22792883333f |archive-date=18 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Dunz |first=Kristina |date=31 January 2025 |title=Schämt Euch! |trans-title=SHAME ON YOU!! |url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/schaemt-euch-merz-bricht-versprechen-migrationspolitik-und-afd-mehrheit-im-bundestag-6R7DCX4UMJCHHATHNQLDIR57OQ.html |access-date=22 February 2025 |website=www.rnd.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226043600/https://www.rnd.de/politik/schaemt-euch-merz-bricht-versprechen-migrationspolitik-und-afd-mehrheit-im-bundestag-6R7DCX4UMJCHHATHNQLDIR57OQ.html |archive-date=26 February 2025 |url-status=live}} Merz claimed that the Union has "not spoken to the AfD, does not discuss things with them", or "compare texts", but that it proposes what it "believes to be right in the matter", insisting that putting a motion to a vote in the Bundestag did not constitute co-operation with the AfD.{{Cite web |title=Merz verteidigt Abstimmung über Unionsantrag zur Migration |trans-title=Merz defends vote on Union motion on migration |url=https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/interview-merz-migration-100.html |access-date=29 January 2025 |website=tagesschau.de |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129205604/https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/interview-merz-migration-100.html |archive-date=29 January 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://taz.de/-Bundestagsdebatte-im-Live-Ticker-/!6066358&s=brandmauer%2Bcdu%2Bafd/|title=Merz' Gesetz ist gescheitert|trans-title=Merz's law has failed|newspaper=Die Tageszeitung: Taz|date=31 January 2025|language=de|access-date=7 February 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207060120/https://taz.de/-Bundestagsdebatte-im-Live-Ticker-/!6066358/|archive-date=7 February 2025|url-status=live}} The Bundestag went on to reject the CDU's proposed legislation a few days later, largely due to a dozen CDU legislators abstaining, a decision seen to be sparked by the AfD-related controversy.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2025 |title=Merz's far-right gamble backfires |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-germany-gamble-to-accept-far-right-support-fails-in-parliament-afd-cdu-migration/ |access-date=6 February 2025 |website=Politico Europe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207055327/https://www.politico.eu/article/friedrich-merz-germany-gamble-to-accept-far-right-support-fails-in-parliament-afd-cdu-migration/ |archive-date=7 February 2025 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=31 January 2025 |title=German parliament rejects migration bill, dealing blow to election frontrunner |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/far-right-could-enable-law-first-time-modern-german-history-2025-01-31/ |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250207055405/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/far-right-could-enable-law-first-time-modern-german-history-2025-01-31/ |archive-date=7 February 2025 |url-status=live}}

Merz has been known for his many secondary jobs over several legislative periods. As a member of the Bundestag (federal parliament of Germany), Merz had a total of 18 secondary jobs in the 14th legislative period (2002–2005){{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |date=10 October 2006 |language=de |title=Merz und seine 18 Nebentätigkeiten |trans-title=Merz and his 18 secondary activities |url=https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article158726/Merz-und-seine-18-Nebentaetigkeiten.html |website=welt.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112090601/https://www.welt.de/print-welt/article158726/Merz-und-seine-18-Nebentaetigkeiten.html |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} and at least 11 secondary jobs in the 15th legislative period (2005–2009).{{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |date=11 October 2006 |issn=2195-1349 |work=Der Spiegel |title=Mehrfachverdiener: Die Kläger gegen das Transparenzgesetz |trans-title=Multiple earners: The plaintiffs against the Transparency Act |url=https://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/mehrfachverdiener-die-klaeger-gegen-das-transparenzgesetz-fotostrecke-16685.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112123929/https://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/mehrfachverdiener-die-klaeger-gegen-das-transparenzgesetz-fotostrecke-16685.html |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In 2006 alone, Merz was represented on the boards of eight different companies.{{cite web|access-date=13 January 2021 |date=6 July 2007 |title=Nebeneinkünfte offengelegt: Merz und Riesenhuber gehören zu den Großverdienern |trans-title=Additional income disclosed: Merz and Riesenhuber are among the top earners |url=https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/merz-und-riesenhuber-gehoeren-zu-den-grossverdienern_aid-11187415 |website=rp-online.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111095649/https://rp-online.de/politik/deutschland/merz-und-riesenhuber-gehoeren-zu-den-grossverdienern_aid-11187415 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |date=11 July 2007 |issn=2195-1349 |work=Der Spiegel |title=Von Axa bis Stadler Rail: Friedrich Merz' Nebeneinkünfte |trans-title=From Axa to Stadler Rail: Friedrich Merz's additional income |url=https://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/von-axa-bis-stadler-rail-friedrich-merz-nebeneinkuenfte-fotostrecke-23104.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111093702/https://www.spiegel.de/fotostrecke/von-axa-bis-stadler-rail-friedrich-merz-nebeneinkuenfte-fotostrecke-23104.html |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In 2007, Manager Magazine wrote about Merz's secondary jobs:{{cite web|access-date=14 January 2021 |date=11 July 2007 |title=Von Axa bis Stadler, Die Nebeneinkünfte des Friedrich Merz |trans-title=From Axa to Stadler, The additional income of Friedrich Merz |url=https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/artikel/a-493053.html |website=manager-magazin.de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111080400/https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/artikel/a-493053.html |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

{{blockquote |text=Merz probably earns a nice six-figure sum annually for his work in the law firm. For the year 2006, a conservative estimate shows that Merz's additional income, apart from his lawyer's salary, amounts to a quarter of a million euros.}}

His many secondary activities raised concerns over whether Merz takes his mandate as a member of the Bundestag seriously and thoroughly.{{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |date=18 January 2009 |language=de |title=Friedrich Merz – Fragen und Antworten |trans-title=Friedrich Merz – Q&As |url=https://www.abgeordnetenwatch.de/profile/friedrich-merz/fragen-antworten?parliament_period=67&answered=All&page=2 |website=abgeordnetenwatch.de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111070134/https://www.abgeordnetenwatch.de/profile/friedrich-merz/fragen-antworten?parliament_period=67&answered=All&page=2 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}} In 2007, Merz wrote a letter to his voters in an attempt to defend himself against criticism of his secondary activities.{{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |date=14 July 2007 |language=de |title=Brief an die Basis: Das schreibt Friedrich Merz seinen Wählern |trans-title=Letter to the base: This is what Friedrich Merz writes to his voters |url=https://www.welt.de/politik/article1025572/Das-schreibt-Friedrich-Merz-seinen-Waehlern.html |website=welt.de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111070127/https://www.welt.de/politik/article1025572/Das-schreibt-Friedrich-Merz-seinen-Waehlern.html |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

In 2021, before the federal election and 12 years after he left the Bundestag in 2009, Merz announced that he would no longer pursue any "professional activities outside of politics" if he were to be re-elected to the Bundestag.{{cite web|access-date=12 July 2024 |author=RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland |date=19 March 2021 |language=de |title=Friedrich Merz will bei Wahl in Bundestag keine Nebentätigkeiten ausüben |trans-title=Friedrich Merz does not want to take up any secondary activities if elected to the Bundestag |url=https://www.rnd.de/politik/friedrich-merz-will-bei-wahl-in-bundestag-keine-nebentatigkeiten-ausuben-EB4SDRR7NVAFS2Y35LI77B2OAM.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112123952/https://www.rnd.de/politik/friedrich-merz-will-bei-wahl-in-bundestag-keine-nebentatigkeiten-ausuben-EB4SDRR7NVAFS2Y35LI77B2OAM.html |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

In 2006, there were discussions about conflicts of interest of members of the Bundestag who carried out other activities in addition to their parliamentary mandate. As a result, an agreement was reached that members of parliament should disclose their income from secondary activities to give the public an opportunity to assess whether their representatives may be harmfully dependent and influenced by financial contributions from third parties. Merz, who at that time had 18 secondary activities in addition to his parliamentary work according to one source, 11 according to another source and 14 according to the management of the Bundestag,{{cite web|access-date=11 February 2023 |author=Fiedler, Maria |date=18 February 2020 |title=Was Friedrich Merz früher forderte – und wie er abstimmte |trans-title=What Friedrich Merz demanded in the past – and how he voted? |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/altlasten-des-cdu-politikers-was-friedrich-merz-frueher-forderte-und-wie-er-abstimmte/25555560.html |website=Tagesspiegel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110095633/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/altlasten-des-cdu-politikers-was-friedrich-merz-frueher-forderte-und-wie-er-abstimmte/25555560.html |archive-date=10 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bundestag.de/abgeordnete/bio/m/merz_fr0.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424161434/https://www.bundestag.de/abgeordnete/bio/m/merz_fr0.html|url-status=dead |title=Veröffentlichungspflichtig gemeldet wurden dem Deutschen Bundestag 14 Nebentätigkeiten von 2007 |trans-title=14 secondary activities from 2007 were reported to the German Bundestag for publication |archive-date=24 April 2018}} filed a lawsuit with the Federal Constitutional Court together with eight other members of the German Bundestag against the disclosure of their secondary income. At the hearing in October 2006, Merz pointed out that according to Article 38 of the Basic Law of Germany (constitution), members of parliament are "not bound by instructions and are subject only to their conscience". The President of the Bundestag cannot impose sanctions on members of parliament (MPs) for failing to disclose their secondary income, as such an action could be deemed unconstitutional. It has been argued that the regulation may encourage MPs to pursue career politics, potentially distancing them from real-life experiences. Secondary activities are not prohibited; instead, the regulation focuses on disclosing the number and amount of fees received. In July 2007, the Federal Constitutional Court voted four to four to reject a lawsuit, emphasizing that the political mandate must be central to parliamentary activities and highlighting concerns about potential bias from external payments.{{cite web|access-date=26 January 2012 |date=4 July 2007 |title=Volle Breitseite gegen Starjurist Merz |work=FOCUS Online |trans-title=Full broadside against star lawyer Merz |url=http://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/nebeneinkuenfte-urteil_aid_65462.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112090621/http://www.focus.de/politik/deutschland/nebeneinkuenfte-urteil_aid_65462.html |archive-date=12 November 2024 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|access-date=20 October 2020 |author=BVerfG |date=4 July 2007 |title=Klage der Abgeordneten gegen Offenlegung von Einkünften erfolglos – Pressemitteilung zum Urteil vom 4. Juli 2007 (2 BvE 1/06) |trans-title=Lawsuit by MPs against disclosure of income unsuccessful – press release on the judgment of 4 July 2007 (2 BvE 1/06) |url=https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2007/bvg07-073.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111070756/https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2007/bvg07-073.html |archive-date=11 November 2024 |url-status=live}}

In November 2018, when asked in an interview with the tabloid media Bild, Merz said that he was a millionaire (without distinguishing between income and wealth millionaires) and thus would belong in his understanding to the upper middle class. He later specified that he, at that time, earned "around one million euros gross" per year.{{Cite news |date=18 November 2018 |title=Friedrich Merz: 'Heute verdiene ich rund eine Million Euro' |trans-title=Friedrich Merz: "Today I earn around a million euros" |url=https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2018-11/friedrich-merz-cdu-vorsitz-einkommen |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=Die Zeit |language=de |issn=0044-2070 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118023842/https://www.zeit.de/politik/deutschland/2018-11/friedrich-merz-cdu-vorsitz-einkommen |archive-date=18 November 2018 |url-status=live}} These statements met with a broad public pushback and sparked wider criticism in Germany.{{Cite news |last1=Böcking |first1=David |last2=Hesse |first2=Martin |date=15 November 2018 |title=Friedrich Merz. Warum er nicht zur Mittelschicht gehört |trans-title=Friedrich Merz. Why does he not belong to the middle class? |url=https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/friedrich-merz-warum-er-nicht-zur-mittelschicht-gehoert-a-1238635.html |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=Der Spiegel |language=de |issn=2195-1349 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115160343/https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/soziales/friedrich-merz-warum-er-nicht-zur-mittelschicht-gehoert-a-1238635.html |archive-date=15 November 2018 |url-status=live}} Journalists, economists and financial advisors in Germany placed Merz in the upper class.{{Cite news |title=Friedrich Merz: Der Millionär aus der 'gehobenen Mittelschicht' |trans-title=Friedrich Merz: The millionaire from the 'upper middle class' |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/der-millionar-aus-der-gehobenen-mittelschicht-8433718.html |date=15 November 2018 |access-date=16 December 2024 |work=Der Tagesspiegel Online |language=de |issn=1865-2263 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115173120/https://www.manager-magazin.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-als-millionaer-in-der-mittelschicht-a-1238603.html |archive-date=15 November 2018 |url-status=live}} According to the German Federal Bank, at the time in question, one was among the top 5 percent in wealth among the German population with a (total) net worth of at least {{Euro|722,000}}. Merz's private assets include real estate and two aircraft.{{Cite web |work=DerWesten |date=13 June 2011 |title=Willkommen auf Echo Delta Kilo Oscar |trans-title=Welcome to Echo Delta Kilo Oscar |url=https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/article4757312/willkommen-auf-echo-delta-kilo-oscar.html |access-date=16 December 2024 |language=de |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630104929/https://www.wp.de/staedte/altkreis-brilon/article4757312/willkommen-auf-echo-delta-kilo-oscar.html |archive-date=30 June 2024 |url-status=live}}

Merz has made statements about LGBT+ people perceived as insensitive. When asked in 2001 about Berlin's then mayor Klaus Wowereit coming out as gay, he said "as long as he doesn't come near me, I don't care".{{cite news |title=Altlasten des CDU-Politikers |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/was-friedrich-merz-fruher-forderte-und-wie-er-abstimmte-6603298.html |access-date=25 February 2025 |work=Der Tagesspiegel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250228171612/https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/was-friedrich-merz-fruher-forderte-und-wie-er-abstimmte-6603298.html |archive-date=28 February 2025 |language=de}} In November 2018, Merz said that introducing same-sex marriage in Germany was the right thing to do.{{cite news |date=8 December 2018 |title=Wallstreet Online: Merz hält Einführung der Ehe für alle for richtig |trans-title=Wallstreet Online: Merz believes the introduction of marriage for all is right |url=https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/11013733-friedrich-merz-merz-haelt-einfuehrung-ehe-alle-richtig |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712161201/https://www.wallstreet-online.de/nachricht/11013733-friedrich-merz-merz-haelt-einfuehrung-ehe-alle-richtig |archive-date=12 July 2020 |language=de}} In September 2020, Merz was asked if he would have reservations about a gay chancellor, and said "concerning the question of sexual orientation, as long as it is within the scope of the law and does not concern children—at this point I reach my absolute limits—it is not an issue for public discussion".{{cite news |title=Potential German chancellor slammed for homosexuality remark |url=https://www.dw.com/en/germany-cdu-leadership-hopeful-slammed-for-comments-on-homosexuality/a-55008417 |date=22 September 2020 |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=Deutsche Welle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922005212/https://www.dw.com/en/germany-cdu-leadership-hopeful-slammed-for-comments-on-homosexuality/a-55008417 |archive-date=22 September 2020 |url-status=live}} He clarified after an outcry that he had not meant to link homosexuality with pedophilia.

• Deutsche Nationalstiftung, Member of the Senate{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalstiftung.de/gremien |title=Senate |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718233651/http://www.nationalstiftung.de/gremien |archive-date=18 July 2017 |work=Deutsche Nationalstiftung|url-status=live}}
• Peace of Westphalia Prize, Member of the Jury{{cite web|url=https://www.wirtschaftliche-gesellschaft.de/int-preis-des-westfaelischen-friedens/jury/ |title=Members of the Jury |work=Wirtschaftliche Gesellschaft für Westfalen und Lippe |trans-title=Economic Society for Westphalia and Lippe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721162220/https://www.wirtschaftliche-gesellschaft.de/int-preis-des-westfaelischen-friedens/jury/ |archive-date=21 July 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Bayer Foundation for German and International Labour and Business Law, Member of the Board of Trustees (1998–2002)
• KfW, Member of the supervisory board (2003–2004){{cite web|url=https://www.kfw.de/Download-Center/Finanzpublikationen/Financial-publications-PDFs/1_Gesch%C3%A4ftsberichte-E/Gesch%C3%A4ftsbericht_2004_E.pdf |title=2004 Annual Report |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104141847/https://www.kfw.de/Download-Center/Finanzpublikationen/Financial-publications-PDFs/1_Gesch%C3%A4ftsberichte-E/Gesch%C3%A4ftsbericht_2004_E.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2016 |work=KfW |url-status=dead}}
• Ludwig Erhard Foundation, Member (1998–2005)

Merz is married to judge Charlotte Merz. He has three children and resides in Arnsberg in the Sauerland region.{{cite web |url=https://www.ag-arnsberg.nrw.de/behoerde/gerichtsvorstellung/index.php |title=Gerichtsvorstellung: Das Amtsgericht Arnsberg stellt sich vor |trans-title=Court presentation: The Arnsberg District Court introduces itself |work=Amtsgericht Arnsberg |access-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106035308/https://www.wp.de/staedte/arnsberg/mit-grosser-liebe-zum-beruf-id11966866.html |archive-date=6 November 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|access-date=18 November 2018 |archive-date=6 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106035308/https://www.wp.de/staedte/arnsberg/mit-grosser-liebe-zum-beruf-id11966866.html |author=Achim Gieseke |date=2 July 2016 |title=Mit großer Liebe zum Beruf |trans-title=With great love for the profession |url=https://www.wp.de/staedte/arnsberg/mit-grosser-liebe-zum-beruf-id11966866.html |url-status=live |work=Westfalenpost}} In 2005, the couple established the Friedrich und Charlotte Merz Stiftung, a foundation supporting projects in the education sector.{{cite web|url=https://www.merz-stiftung.de/home/ |title=Friedrich und Charlotte Merz Stiftung |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527103320/https://www.merz-stiftung.de/home/ |archive-date=27 May 2024 |url-status=live}}

In 2018, Merz rejected the Ludwig Erhard Prize, citing objections to publications by the chairman of the Ludwig Erhard Foundation, Roland Tichy, considered by some to be on the extreme right.{{cite news |last=Plickert |first=Philip |date=16 July 2018 |title=Ärger für die Ludwig-Erhard-Stiftung |trans-title=Troubles for the Ludwig Erhard Foundation |url=https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/aerger-fuer-die-ludwig-erhard-stiftung-15694317.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718104742/https://www.faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/aerger-fuer-die-ludwig-erhard-stiftung-15694317.html |archive-date=18 July 2018 |newspaper=Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung }}

• {{cite Q |Q130425553 |mode=cs1}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist |30em}}

• {{official website}} {{in lang |de}}
• [https://www.die-wirtschaftsnews.de/friedrich-merz-wie-phoenix-aus-der-asche/ German article about his political comeback / die-wirtschaftsnews]

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