Friedrich Merz
Chancellor of Germany
Friedrich Merz (full name Joachim-Friedrich Martin Josef Merz) was born on November 11, 1955, in Brilon, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany. He received his legal education, studying at the Universities of Bonn and Marburg.
His professional career began with work as a judge in Saarbrücken, and then as a corporate lawyer. Since January 2022, he has held the position of leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and since May 2025, he has been the Federal Chancellor of Germany.
1985
Became a judge in Saarbrücken after graduating from law school
1989
Was elected to the European Parliament
1994
Was elected to the German Bundestag
2000
Headed the CDU/CSU parliamentary group
2009
Headed the "Atlantik-Brücke" association
2021
Returned to the Bundestag
2022
Was elected leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU)
2024
Became the Union's candidate for Chancellor of Germany
2025
Led the CDU/CSU bloc to victory in the federal elections
2025
Was elected Chancellor of Germany
