Germany's conservative CDU/CSU wins; Merz poised for chancellor
The conservative CDU/CSU party has won the parliamentary elections in Germany. The leader of the formation, Friedrich Merz, is the main candidate for chancellor. During the campaign, the future head of the German government expressed support for closing the borders. He also holds specific views on Ukraine and Poland.
The conservative CDU/CSU party won the parliamentary elections in Germany. Commonly known as the "Union," the coalition secured 28.52% of all valid votes, which translates into 208 seats.
The party will most likely govern in a so-called grand coalition. The government with CDU/CSU will also include the SPD Social Democrats. The leader of the German conservatives, Friedrich Merz, may become the chancellor.
Who is the future head of the German government? The politician was born in 1955 and is a professional lawyer. He has been active in politics for over 50 years. Merz clashed with the former chancellor of Germany and resigned from political activity in 2009.
From 2009 to 2018, the CDU/CSU leader worked for several private companies, including AXA and Commerzbank. He was also involved in the process of saving Borussia Dortmund from bankruptcy. He returned to politics in 2018 when Angela Merkel announced she would no longer run as the leader of the German conservative faction. In 2021, Merz became the head of the party.
A conservative liberal at the helm of the German government. Here's what he said about Ukraine
Friedrich Merz is known for his conservative-liberal views. He advocates for tax deregulation and lowering social benefits. During the campaign, he announced plans to close German borders to illegal immigrants. This is one of the issues that set him apart from Angela Merkel.
Merz is also known for his pro-Ukrainian views. During the war, he visited Kyiv four times. He criticized Olaf Scholz for delaying the delivery of military equipment to Ukraine and supported sending Taurus missiles to the Ukrainian armed forces.
The CDU/CSU leader also believes that Germany should improve relations with Poland. His first foreign visit could be to Warsaw. In an interview with "Bild am Sonntag," Merz stated that reviving the initiative of a strong Weimar Triangle, which includes Poland, Germany, and France, is necessary.
The most urgent thing in Europe is repairing the relationships between Germany, Poland, and France. I want to sign a Polish-German friendship treaty that will strengthen our relations - said Merz during the election campaign.
The future chancellor's wife is a judge. The couple has three children. Merz is known for his height. He stands almost 6 feet 7 inches tall.
