The political comeback of a man who once walked away from power
After a twelve-year hiatus from parliament, Friedrich Merz returned to the center of German politics. From corporate lawyer to Chancellor, his journey is marked by intense party rivalries, a high-stakes legal career, and a historic ascent to the Chancellery.
Friedrich Merz's political trajectory is defined by a significant period of absence. After serving in the Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, he transitioned into a highly successful legal career. As a senior counsel at Mayer Brown and a specialist in mergers and acquisitions, Merz established himself as a multimillionaire. His professional life during this hiatus included serving on various corporate boards, such as BlackRock Germany, and even leading a taxpayer-funded project to sell the state-controlled bank WestLB, for which he earned a controversial €1,980,000 fee.
His return to the political arena was not immediate or easy. Merz faced several setbacks in leadership contests, losing the CDU presidency in 2018 and 2021. These defeats often placed him in direct opposition to the centrist legacy of Angela Merkel. However, by 2022, he secured the CDU leadership with a decisive 94.6% of delegate votes. His political identity is rooted in economic liberalism and a staunchly pro-American, transatlantic outlook, often positioning himself against the more centrist elements of his party.
The culmination of his comeback arrived following the 2025 federal election. Despite the CDU receiving its second-worst result ever, the party emerged as the largest parliamentary group. This allowed Merz to form a 'Grand Coalition' with the SPD. His ascent to Chancellor on 6 May 2025 was historically significant, as he required two rounds of voting to secure the position—a first in German history. Today, his chancellorship faces scrutiny over domestic welfare reforms and the rising influence of the AfD.
Source: Friedrich Merz
