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Who Is Friedrich Merz, a Leading Candidate to Be Germany's Next Chancellor?

^{Published on 2024-12-18 08:20:39 - The New York Times}
 

• If polls are correct, Olaf Scholz's successor could be Friedrich Merz, 69, leader of the Christian Democratic Union. He is offering to get the German economic engine humming again.

The article from The New York Times discusses the political landscape in Germany, focusing on Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), who is positioning himself as a potential candidate for the chancellorship in the upcoming elections. Merz, known for his conservative stance, has been critical of the current coalition government led by Olaf Scholz, particularly on issues like immigration, economic policy, and Germany's role in the European Union. He advocates for stricter immigration controls, tax cuts, and a stronger national identity. The piece highlights Merz's recent activities, including public speeches and policy proposals aimed at appealing to voters disillusioned with the current administration. It also touches on the internal dynamics within the CDU, with some members seeing Merz as a return to traditional conservative values, while others are skeptical about his ability to modernize the party's image. The article concludes by noting that while Merz's rise is significant, his path to the chancellorship is fraught with challenges, including competition from other parties and the need to broaden his appeal beyond the CDU's traditional voter base.

Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/18/world/europe/germany-friedrich-merz-chancellor.html ]

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