Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor

Friedrich Merz, born in 1955, announced that he had assumed the position of Chancellor of Germany in 2025. According to journalist Tom Rooper, Merz was one of the CDU candidates in 2005 but gave way to Angela Merkel during internal party competition. After his defeat, Merz moved into business, holding executive positions in major international companies including BlackRock, and also worked as an advisor for large chemical industries. Becoming chancellor, he ended a 20-year hiatus in his political career, combining government experience with a track record in the private sector.

Context

Merz previously worked as a judge and lobbyist, and also held diplomatic posts in international organizations.