Friedrich Merz leads polls as frontrunner for Germany's chancellorship in upcoming election

Friedrich Merz, a 69-year-old politician, is the frontrunner for Germany's chancellorship in the February 23 election. He leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and aims to distance the party from Angela Merkel's centrist policies. Merz's campaign focuses on economic revival, stricter immigration controls, and tax cuts. His leadership follows the collapse of Germany's governing coalition, creating an opportunity for a snap election. Despite leading in polls, Merz faces challenges, including criticism for engaging with the far-right Alternative for Germany party. He has emphasized a hardline stance on migration and plans to reduce welfare spending.