Germany’s Next Chancellor Merz: Anti-Migration and Loyal to Ukraine
It’s nearly certain that former banker Friedrich Merz will become Germany’s next chancellor after his conservative alliance secured a majority in Sunday’s pivotal legislative elections.
Who Is Friedrich Merz?
Merz studied law and initially worked as a lawyer before setting his sights on politics with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Elected to the European Parliament in 1989, he later transitioned to domestic politics, joining the German Bundestag in 1994. Rising through the CDU ranks, Merz was eventually sidelined after a power struggle with Angela Merkel.
Strict Migration Stance
On migration, Merz stirred debate in January by pushing a non-binding resolution for tougher rules, including border controls and increased deportations. Critics argue this could violate German asylum laws. With Germany’s economy faltering, Merz has also blamed Olaf Scholz’s government for the country’s recession, promising a sharper economic vision.
His View on the Ukraine War
Early in his campaign, Merz pitched himself as a tough businessman ready to negotiate face-to-face with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, Trump’s remarks on Ukraine forced a quick pivot. “I’m frankly quite shocked that Donald Trump has made this his own now,” Merz said, adding, “The only thing we can do is get our house in order in Europe as quickly as possible.”
Ukraine remains a divisive issue in Germany. Some fear supporting Kyiv brings war closer, while others, like Merz, argue that failing to stand up to Vladimir Putin is riskier. Germany, the second-largest supplier of military aid to Ukraine, has Merz’s firm backing—he even wants to go further, supplying long-range Taurus cruise missiles. Calls may also arise for German troops to join a deterrence or peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
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