Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is poised to become the nation's next Chancellor following the CDU/CSU alliance's victory in the recent federal election. The conservative bloc secured approximately 28.6% of the vote, surpassing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which achieved a record 20.4%

Born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, Germany, Merz's political journey has been marked by resilience and a return to prominence. He began his political career in 1989 as a member of the European Parliament and later served in the Bundestag. Despite being sidelined during Angela Merkel's tenure, Merz made a notable comeback, assuming the CDU leadership in 2022.

Merz's campaign focused on conservative policies, including strict immigration control and economic reforms. However, his approach to the AfD has been contentious. While he has firmly ruled out any coalition with the far-right party, his strategy to counter their influence by shifting rightward has drawn both support and criticism.

Internationally, Merz is recognized for his strong transatlantic ties and support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. He has advocated for Europe to establish an independent defense capability, especially in light of recent strained relations with the U.S.

Despite the CDU/CSU's lead, forming a stable coalition government remains a challenge. Potential partners, such as the Social Democrats or the Green Party, have expressed reservations, and all mainstream parties have ruled out collaborating with the AfD