Who Is Friedrich Merz? Age, Biography and Wiki
Friedrich Merz was born on November 11, 1955, making him 69 years old as of 2025. A prominent German politician and member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Merz ascended to the role of Chancellor of Germany in 2025 after a significant political career. His path to leadership is marked by perseverance and strategic political maneuvering.
For more details on his life and career, you can visit his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Leaders |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1955 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Brilon, West Germany |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Germany |
Popularity
Friedrich Merz's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Friedrich Merz stands tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm). His weight is typically around 180 pounds (82 kg), maintaining a healthy physique that reflects his active lifestyle. While exact measurements might vary, his appearances often denote a poised and professional demeanor, which aligns with his position as a leader.
While Merz, as opposition leader, had demanded that the German government of Scholz deliver German Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine, he himself said that he would not necessarily deliver Taurus cruise missiles if he were chancellor.
As chancellor, he would provide them if Russia or Vladimir Putin did not comply with Germany's and other European countries' request to stop attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and on the condition that France and Great Britain, for their part, lift the range limitation on the weapons they delivered to Ukraine.
Merz said he would, as chancellor, try to bring about a European decision on the matter of the question of whether to allow Ukraine to strike against targets deep within Russian territory with Western weapons. He said he would also signal Putin his willingness to talk beforehand.
In December 2024 he said that Germany is letting Ukraine fight with one arm strapped on its back. Germany should instead give Ukraine the possibility to defend itself effectively with weapons from Germany.
In 2025, Merz supported purchasing long-range missiles from Ukraine, adding that there were "no more range limitations for weapons delivered to Ukraine" from Germany; this change was seen by Politico as allowing Taurus missiles to be delivered to Ukraine in the future.
He added that "Ukraine has the right to use the weapons it receives, even beyond its own borders, against military targets on Russian territory".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Friedrich Merz is known to keep his personal life relatively private. He is currently married to his wife, a subject of interest among political commentators. As of 2025, the couple has two children, showcasing a traditional family structure that resonates with many voters. While there is public interest in Merz’s relationship dynamics, he has seldom divulged information regarding any romantic associations outside of his marriage.
His father was a judge and a member of the CDU. The Sauvigny family was a locally prominent patrician family in Brilon, of French ancestry. His maternal grandfather was Brilon mayor Josef Paul Sauvigny. Merz is Catholic. He was raised in his mother's family home Sauvigny House in Brilon. The house was announced for sale for €2million in 2021.
Two of his three siblings died relatively early; his younger sister died in the age of 21 in a traffic accident and his brother died of multiple sclerosis before the age of 50.
Net Worth and Salary
As the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz has a reported net worth of approximately $10 million. His salary as Chancellor is in line with other G7 leaders, providing him with a substantial income that reflects his high-ranking political position. In addition to his earnings from public office, Merz has cultivated a successful career in law and business, contributing significantly to his wealth.
In 2005 he has been described by German media as a new member of the Andean Pact (CDU), a originally secret network of influential CDU men formed in 1979 by then members of Young Union during a trip to the South American Andes region.
The Andean pact stood in opposition to Merkel, especially in the five years before she became chancellor in 2005, after she had become chairperson of the CDU. Years before his admission, Merz had already a "fundamental loyalty" to his peers in the Andean Pact. Between 2005 and 2009, Merz was a member of the Committee on Legal Affairs.
In 2006, he was one of nine parliamentarians who filed a complaint at the Federal Constitutional Court against the disclosure of additional sources of income; the complaint was ultimately unsuccessful. By 2007, he announced he would not be running for political office in the 2009 elections.
Career, Business and Investments
Friedrich Merz's career spans several decades in both politics and the private sector. Before becoming Chancellor, he held various influential positions, including head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group and a prominent role at BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset management firms. His expertise in economic affairs positioned him as a key candidate for the chancellorship, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
Merz is also an active investor, with interests in various sectors, including technology and renewable energy, aligning with Germany’s commitment to sustainability. His breadth of experience in business and politics underscores his potential to drive Germany's agenda in the global arena.
After the 2002 federal election, Merkel claimed the parliamentary group chairmanship for herself, while Merz was elected deputy parliamentary group leader.
In December 2004, he resigned from this office, thereby giving up the years-long power struggle with Merkel and gradually withdrew from politics, focusing on his legal career and leaving parliament entirely in 2009, until his return to parliament in 2021.
In 2004, he became a senior counsel with Mayer Brown, where he has focused on mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, and compliance. He has served on the boards of numerous companies, including BlackRock Germany. A corporate lawyer and reputed multimillionaire, Merz is also a licensed private pilot and owns two aeroplanes.
In 2018, he announced his return to politics. He was elected CDU leader in December 2021, assuming the office in January 2022. He had failed to win the position in two previous leadership elections in 2018, and January 2021. In September 2024, he became the Union's candidate for Chancellor of Germany ahead of the 2025 German federal election.
The CDU/CSU subsequently reached an agreement to form a coalition with the SPD. Merz was elected chancellor on 6 May 2025 in a second round of voting, after unexpectedly failing to garner the required absolute majority of parliamentary votes in the first round of voting – a first in German history.
Social Network
Friedrich Merz maintains a strong presence on social media, utilizing platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to connect with the public and share his political insights. His social media strategy often focuses on engaging voters, promoting policies, and discussing current issues pertinent to Germany and the international landscape.
On 25 February 2020, he announced his candidacy in the first 2021 CDU leadership election. His closest competitors were Armin Laschet and Norbert Röttgen.
After several postponements, the election of the new CDU party president took place at the party congress on 15–16 January 2021, which was the first time in the party's history that it was held fully online. In the first round, Merz received 385 votes, 5 more than Laschet.
In the second round, Merz failed to win the party president's post for the second time, receiving 466 votes out of 1001 delegates, while Laschet received 521 votes.
Education
Friedrich Merz attended the University of Bonn, where he earned a degree in law. His academic background has laid the foundation for his successful career in both law and politics, equipping him with the analytical skills required for public service.
Merz’s education, combined with his experience in business, forts him in understanding complex economic and social issues, necessary for a leader in today’s fast-paced political environment.
He joined the Young Union in 1972. After finishing law school in 1985, Merz worked as a judge and corporate lawyer before entering full-time politics in 1989 when he was elected to the European Parliament. After serving one term he was elected to the Bundestag, where he established himself as the leading financial policy expert in the CDU.
He was elected chairman of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in 2000, the same year as Angela Merkel was elected chairwoman of the CDU, and at the time they were chief rivals for the leadership of the party, which led the opposition together with CSU.
