Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel believes that Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz is a suitable candidate for the post of German chancellor.
„I wish Friedrich Merz success. He has worked for a long time to achieve this goal - to become a candidate for the post of chancellor. And I wish him the strength to conduct a good election campaign“, Merkel said in a podcast by the media holding Table.Media.
„I would not wish him success if I were not sure that he had everything he needed“, Merkel said. At the same time, she was critical of the categorical rejection of the possible formation of a coalition with the Greens, which was particularly advocated by the chairman of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU), Markus Söder.
Relations between Merkel and Merz have been frosty for years. The media recall that he had a long-standing relationship with her - ever since Merz headed the CDU parliamentary faction in 2000-2002. It was precisely because of disagreements with Merkel that Merz ultimately left politics. He returned to it at the end of 2018.
Early parliamentary elections in Germany are scheduled for February 23, 2025. Based on their results, a new government will be formed and a new chancellor will be elected. The current head of government, Olaf Scholz, is the Social Democratic candidate for chancellor and the main rival of the CDU/CSU candidate Friedrich Merz. The CDU/CSU's approval rating ranges between 30-33%, while that of the ruling party is 15-17%.