Friedrich Merz became the Chancellor of Germany on 6 May 2025, reaching the position after securing a victory in a two-round election process. His ascent to the federal government followed an extensive career in law, finance, and parliamentary politics, marking a significant return to public office after years spent working in the private corporate sector.
Early Career and Education
Born in Brilon in 1955, Merz pursued legal studies at the University of Bonn and the University of Marburg following his secondary education at Gymnasium Petrinum. After completing his law degree in 1985, he briefly held a position as a judge. By 1986, he transitioned to the private sector, serving as an attorney for the Verband der Chemischen Industrie until 1989.
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Merz entered formal politics by serving as a Member of the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994. He subsequently secured a seat in the German Bundestag in 1994, holding the position until 1998. He returned to the Bundestag for two additional periods between 2002 and 2009, and later in 2021. Between 2000 and 2002, he acted as Chairman of the CDU/CSU Bundestag fraction.
Private Sector and Return to Politics
Following a power struggle within the Christian Democratic Union in the mid-2000s, Merz moved away from active parliamentary duties. During this interim period, he utilized his legal expertise as a senior counsel at Mayer Brown and served on various boards, including BlackRock. He maintained professional affiliations with international organizations, including the Trilateral Commission and Atlantik-Brücke. In 2022, he assumed the role of leader of the Christian Democratic Union.
Fast facts
- Born: 1955, Brilon, Germany
- Chancellor of Germany: 6 May 2025
- Leader of the Christian Democratic Union: 2022
- Chairman of the CDU/CSU Bundestag fraction: 2000-2002
- Member of the European Parliament: 1989-1994
- Education: University of Bonn and University of Marburg
- Award: Time 100, 2025
Questions readers ask
What positions did Friedrich Merz hold in the private sector?
He worked as a judge, a lawyer, a lobbyist for the chemical industry, and a manager, including a board role at BlackRock.
When did Friedrich Merz become Chancellor of Germany?
He was elected Chancellor on 6 May 2025.
Achievements
- member of the German Bundestag (1994–1998)
- Member of the European Parliament (1989–1994)
- Chairman of the CDU/CSU Bundestag fraction (2000–2002)
- member of the German Bundestag (from 2021)
- Educated at Gymnasium Petrinum and University of Marburg
