As Friedrich Merz stands on the brink of becoming Germany’s next Federal Chancellor, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has publicly acknowledged his “absolute will to govern”, following the announcement of a new coalition agreement between Merz’s CDU/CSU and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
The remarks came just a day after the CDU/CSU bloc and SPD confirmed their deal to form a governing coalition, ending weeks of political negotiations after the February parliamentary elections. Merkel’s comments were reported by DPA and mark a rare public statement from the former chancellor, who has largely avoided political commentary since stepping down in 2021.
Once internal rivals within the CDU, Merkel and Merz have a long history. The former chancellor famously sidelined Merz in 2002, forcing him to resign as leader of the CDU parliamentary group — a move that led to Merz’s temporary withdrawal from frontline politics. Merkel went on to serve as Germany’s chancellor for nearly 16 years, second only to Helmut Kohl in tenure.
Speaking to Deutschlandfunk, Merkel reflected:
“The simple fact was, we both wanted to lead — something that happens quite often in life.”
Despite a historically cool relationship, Merkel is said to have congratulated Merz via text message following his recent election victory and rise to party leadership in 2021.
Now back in power, Merz is expected to take office in the coming weeks, pending parliamentary confirmation. His coalition government faces high expectations amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tension in Europe.
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