Friedrich Merz, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has ensured the conservative nomination to challenge Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the next federal election, scheduled for 2025, Blooomberg reports.
This decision, made after a tense internal competition with Bavarian Premier Markus Soeder, solidifies the conservative camp’s strategy ahead of the election.
Merz, 68, secured the CDU nomination after months of speculation and maneuvering within the party. Despite facing internal opposition, particularly from Soeder, who had initially expressed interest in the candidacy, Merz emerged victorious. The two leaders are expected to hold a joint press conference in Berlin later today.
This victory marks a major milestone for Merz, who has long been a prominent figure in German politics. He previously served as a member of the Bundestag and was a key figure within the CDU during Angela Merkel’s time as Chancellor. Merz’s recent win reflects his ambition to return to the forefront of German politics, potentially leading the country.
Despite enjoying a current lead in opinion polls, Merz’s personal approval ratings remain low, potentially giving Scholz an edge in the upcoming election. The Social Democratic chancellor, who is also struggling with unpopularity, has expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Merz.
“It’s fine with me if Mr. Merz is the candidate,” Scholz told reporters on Tuesday during a trip to Kazakhstan.
The timing of this decision is considered somewhat surprising, as Merz had initially indicated that the candidacy question would be settled after the regional election in Brandenburg on Sunday. This move suggests a desire for the conservative camp to present a united front ahead of the national election.
The CDU-led bloc currently enjoys more support than Scholz’s three-party coalition combined, with a 33% approval rating. Meanwhile, the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been gaining momentum, securing strong results in recent regional elections and currently sitting at 19.5% in polls.
