By Sakshi Sah
Published Feb 27, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

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Who is Friedrich Merz, the man set to lead Germany as its next chancellor?

After a big election win, conservative leader Friedrich Merz is set to take charge.

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The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Friedrich Merz, won 28.5% of the votes in Germany’s general elections.

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came second with 20.7% of votes, as per German broadcaster ARD.

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Born on November 11, 1955 in Germany’s Brilon town, Merz comes from a family with a strong background of legal practice.

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Merz joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in 1972.

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In 1981, he married Charlotte Merz, a fellow lawyer who is now a judge.

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In 1989, Merz was elected to the European Parliament.

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Merz held key positions in the CDU and went on to become the party's parliamentary leader in 2000. 

Photo Credit: Reuters