Sat Mar 01 20:25:00 UTC 2025: ## Germany’s New Chancellor: Friedrich Merz’s Rise to Power and Controversial Stance

**Berlin, Germany (March 2, 2025)** – Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to become Chancellor following the February 23rd election. His victory comes amidst a surge in support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which secured nearly 20% of the vote. Merz, while condemning the AfD’s rise and ruling out any coalition with them, has nonetheless accepted their support for his proposals in the Bundestag. This action breaks the long-standing “Brandmauer” (firewall) against cooperation with the far-right.

Merz’s hardline stance on immigration, fueled by a recent knife attack, has been central to his campaign. He’s pledged to impose permanent border controls and reject illegal entries. This strategy is seen as an attempt to appeal to right-wing voters, particularly in East Germany.

Merz’s political journey has been marked by both success and setbacks. A member of an affluent family and a former lawyer, he’s held various positions within the CDU, including a stint in the European Parliament. He served as the CDU’s parliamentary leader before being sidelined by Angela Merkel. After a period in the corporate world, he returned to politics and secured the CDU leadership in 2021. His strong pro-business views and past legal challenges to income disclosure requirements for parliamentarians are also noteworthy aspects of his career.

His economic policies focus on cutting bureaucracy to boost Germany’s struggling economy, which faces challenges from the energy crisis and strict debt regulations. He strongly supports Ukraine, advocating for arms exports, and has vowed to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Germany despite an ICC arrest warrant. Merz’s approach marks a significant departure from Merkel’s more centrist policies, particularly regarding immigration and relations with the US, which he sees as less reliable than previously assumed.

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