The return of the Union: Merz leads Germany into a new era!

The return of the Union: Merz leads Germany into a new era!

Bundesrepublik Deutschland - On June 11, 2025, Friedrich Merz was elected as the new Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. In the second ballot, he received the necessary votes and leads the Union back to power after three and a half years of opposition after he was previously considered politically stamped. The new cabinet consists of 10 men and 8 women, whereby the CDU and SPD each place 7 ministers and the CSU is represented with 3 ministers. Vice Chancellor becomes Lars Klingbeil from the SPD.

The term of term of Merz marks the end of an era according to Olaf Scholz, who has been in office since December 8, 2021 and resigned on May 6, 2025. Scholz had ruled with his traffic light coalition during the Corona crisis and the Ukraine War. His management included the preparation for new elections and the mobilization of trust in his government.

The series of Chancellor

Since the foundation of the Federal Republic of Germany, a total of ten people have managed the Chancellery. A look at the previous Chancellor shows a long and significant story:

• Konrad Adenauer (September 15, 1949 - October 16, 1963): He is the first Federal Chancellor as the "father of the Federal Republic". He was decisively involved in the reconstruction after the Second World War and was committed to binding west and reconciliation with France.
• Ludwig Erhard (October 17, 1963-December 1, 1966): Known as the father of the "economic miracle", he continued Adenauer's politics and had to fight with economic turbulence and the "mirror affair".
• Kurt Georg Kiesinger (December 1, 1966-October 21, 1969): He introduced the first grand coalition and tried to reconcile with Eastern Europe, despite his NSDAP past.
• Willy Brandt (October 21, 1969-May 7, 1974): The first social democratic chancellor, famous for his Eastern politics, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971 and returned in 1974 after the Guillaume affair became known.
• Helmut Schmidt (May 16, 1974-October 1, 1982): Schmidt shaped politics in times of crisis, improved Franco-German relationships and campaigned for European integration.
• Helmut Kohl (October 1, 1982 - October 27, 1998): At the age of 16, the longest reigning Chancellor, he led Germany to reunification and was a decisive player in European integration. He is remembered as the "Chancellor of Unity".
• Gerhard Schröder (October 27, 1998-November 22, 2005): He conducted the first red-green coalition, responsible foreign missions of the Bundeswehr and implemented the Agenda 2010.
• Angela Merkel (November 22, 2005- December 8, 2021): As the first woman in this office, she led Germany through several crises, including the financial and euro crisis, and was recognized internationally as one of the most influential politicians.
• Olaf Scholz (December 8, 2021 - May 6, 2025): He ruled in turbulent times and finally prepared the handover to Merz.

Each of these Chancellor has influenced the political landscape of Germany in its own way and made decisive course for the future of the country. Merz is now faced with the challenge of continuing this tradition and addressing the needs of the population in a changing world.

a historical context

The role of the Chancellor in Germany is not only characterized by political decisions, but also by social upheavals. The chancellors are range from Adenauer, the reconstruction of which symbolized a new beginning after the war, to Merz, who has to regain the trust of the citizens in a time of global uncertainties. Since the ultimate goal was always to strengthen the Federal Republic of Germany within Europe, it remains to be seen which measures Merz will take to continue European integration.

summarized, the history of the Federal Chancellor is characterized by challenges, successes and controversy, and every chancellor has shaped the country in his own way. The coming months will show whether Merz can set new impulses.

A look at the past is crucial to shape the goals of the future. The strengths and weaknesses of the former Chancellor provide valuable lessons for modern politics.

Further information on the Federal Chancellors can be found in the articles of Fr. , bundeskanzler.de and planet-wissen.de .