In a recent interview with “Bild,” Charlotte Merz, the wife of CDU chairman Friedrich Merz, described her husband as a loving husband and grandfather, but also addressed the political issue of childcare in Germany. When asked about the possibility of her husband running for Chancellor, she dodged the question, stating, “Nice try. But I will not comment on that.” She also avoided answering whether Merz would be a good Chancellor, saying, “I am biased in this matter.” The 68-year-old Merz is considered a favorite for the Union’s candidacy in the event of an early Ampel coalition break, but wants to avoid an open power struggle. A regular nomination is expected after the state elections in the East in September, as his approval ratings are low, especially among young women.
Charlotte, who is also a member of the CDU, painted a picture of her husband as a loving husband and grandfather in the interview. She shared that their grandchildren idolize their “Opi” and described the couple’s Sunday ritual of having breakfast, reading the newspaper, and sharing stories of their week. In the ZDF-Politbarometer from March, Merz ranked third among CDU and CSU voters in terms of their assessment of the chances for the next federal election. According to the survey, CSU leader Markus Söder had the best chance of achieving a good result.
In addition to discussing her marriage, Charlotte Merz also spoke about the political issue of childcare in Germany. As a CDU member, mother, and politically interested woman, she expressed frustration over the fact that childcare expenses cannot be fully deducted from taxes, unlike travel expenses. She described this as deeply unfair and expressed regret for the current generation of parents who struggle with the balance of family and work, as well as the lack of daycare and kindergarten spots.
Even though the Union is leading in the polls, Friedrich Merz’s personal ratings are not as strong. Charlotte Merz’s interview aimed to present her husband as approachable and family-oriented, with a focus on their grandchildren and their shared Sunday routine. However, when it came to the question of his potential candidacy for Chancellor, she remained guarded in her responses, indicating that a nomination process is expected to take place after the September state elections. Despite low approval ratings, Friedrich Merz remains a contender for the Union’s candidacy in the event of a coalition break.
Ultimately, Charlotte Merz’s interview shed light on both the personal and political aspects of her husband’s public image. While portraying him as a loving family man, she also touched on important issues such as childcare and the challenges faced by parents in Germany. Her diplomatic responses to questions about Friedrich Merz’s potential candidacy for Chancellor indicate a cautious approach, as the Union navigates through internal dynamics and prepares for the next federal election.
