Friedrich Merz leads polls as CDU's candidate for Germany's chancellor

Friedrich Merz, the Christian Democratic Union's candidate for chancellor, is leading in polls ahead of Germany's federal elections. He was elected as the CDU's candidate in September 2023 and has been a prominent figure in German politics since the early 2000s. Merz has a background in law and business, having held positions at major corporations. He is known for his socially conservative and pro-business policies, advocating for tax cuts and reduced bureaucracy to stimulate the economy. His immigration stance includes stricter border controls and increased deportations. Recently, he faced criticism for collaborating with the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party on a parliamentary motion, marking a significant shift in German politics.