Which German politician became Chancellor of Germany on May 6, 2025, after the CDU's election victory?

Friedrich Merz assumed the chancellorship of Germany on May 6, 2025, following the victory of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in the federal election. This marked a significant moment in German politics, bringing a veteran politician to the country's highest office. Merz, who has been a prominent figure in the CDU for decades, successfully led his party to a strong electoral performance, paving the way for his ascension to the chancellorship.

Merz's journey to the chancellorship was a culmination of a long and distinguished career. He served in the European Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and was a member of the German Bundestag from 1994 to 2009, even leading the CDU/CSU parliamentary group from 2000 to 2002. After a period in the private sector, where he worked as a corporate lawyer and held board positions, including chairman of BlackRock Germany, Merz announced his return to politics in 2018. He was eventually elected leader of the CDU in December 2021, taking office in January 2022, after two previous unsuccessful attempts.

As leader, Merz positioned the CDU with a platform that emphasized a return to more traditional conservative principles, differentiating himself from the centrist policies of his predecessor, Angela Merkel. The CDU's platform generally advocates for a free-market economy, social welfare programs, strong European integration, and a focus on security. His election as chancellor on May 6, 2025, followed the CDU/CSU winning a plurality of seats and subsequently forming a coalition government, in some instances with the Social Democrats (SPD). This outcome reflected a shift in the German political landscape and brought a leader known for his business acumen and conservative stance to the forefront of European politics.