In 2023, Merz opposed the proposed EU ban on internal combustion and hybrid vehicles by 2035, stating that the fight for carbon neutrality must be achieved with technology and open mindness, not bans.

2 days ago · For weeks, Friedrich Merz appeared to be cruising towards his life-long dream of becoming Germany’s chancellor by focusing on a pro-business pitch to revive Europe’s largest economy.

6 days ago · Merz had earlier declared his willingness to push through the draft law to restrict migration even with support from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move that weakened Germany’s so-called firewall against the far right and sparked a fierce pre-election debate that struck at the heart of the country’s postwar identity.

4 days ago · Anecdotally, Merz told CNN that during Trump’s first term in the White House the EU brokered a deal that led to tariffs ending six weeks later. Amb. Karen Pierce joins The Lead

Jan 29, 2025 · Friedrich Merz, Federal Chairman of the CDU and leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, speaks at the discussion event. ... He said that Merz's proposals would violate EU law ...

5 days ago · Who is Friedrich Merz, the leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) likely to become Germany’s next chancellor on 23 February — and what can we expect of his leadership in the five years to come? ... Chaos in Berlin as EU leaders arrive at Budapest summit. Germany readies for crucial snap elections in February. The battle ...

Jan 31, 2025 · Friedrich Merz has committed to implementing an explosive five-point plan on migration that could clash with his EPP allies. ... While the CDU suggests that an emergency clause in EU law could ...

Dec 30, 2024 · Friedrich Merz is likely to be the next chancellor of Germany. But the CDU leader will usher in a generational shift, moving the country away from its Europe-first approach and towards new intergovernmental alliances.

Dec 18, 2024 · Friedrich Merz, Federal Chairman of the CDU, speaks at a CDU campaign appearance for the European elections in the region of Hanover, May 24, 2024. Friedrich Merz’s long and winding journey towards the German chancellery is a tale of …

Sep 20, 2024 · He will seek to reverse what he calls Germany’s “creeping deindustrialisation”, including defending its troubled carmakers by fighting against EU proposals to phase out the combustion engine.