As a result of the elections, the Germans will elect a new government and its leader.
Olaf Scholz is likely to step down as chancellor, with Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), expected to take his place. Merz is well-known for his strong stance in support of Ukraine and his desire to reform the country's economic policies.
Merz has become a prominent critic of Scholz for the insufficient aid provided to Ukraine during the war with Russia, delays in arms supplies, and excessive caution regarding the provision of long-range missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. During a visit to Kyiv in December, he stated bluntly that Germany "has done too little and too slowly."
Friedrich Merz is a millionaire and an amateur pilot, which makes him stand out against the backdrop of the traditional modesty of German politicians. Merz is not new to politics; he entered the field in the early 1970s but returned to the political arena in 2018 after several years in business. He became the leader of the CDU only on his third attempt in 2022, but his personal approval rating is not as high as that of his party. He is often criticized for his impulsiveness and bluntness in his statements.
For instance, in 2022, Friedrich Merz accused Ukrainian refugees of "social tourism" aimed at receiving benefits in Germany, but later he apologized. He also claimed that refugees receive dental care funded by taxpayers while Germans struggle to access such services. Even more outrage was sparked by his remarks about children of migrant background, whom he referred to as "little pastures."
Regarding the economy, Merz promises to implement policies that "will push Germany forward and make the country function again." He advocates for tax cuts, simplification of the tax system, and reduction of expenditures. At the same time, he aims to increase the defense budget, promising an additional 80 billion euros to achieve defense spending targets of 2% of GDP.
On migration issues, Merz plans to deny asylum to illegal migrants right at the borders and increase deportations of illegal immigrants. Such a "closed-door" policy, he argues, meets the needs of the country and its security.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Friedrich Merz stated that the CDU will firmly support Ukraine, viewing the Russian-Ukrainian war as a struggle against the West and democracy. He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's victory. Merz believes that the war could end more quickly if international partners provide stable and consistent support for Ukraine, and that Ukraine can only prevail from a position of strength.