Berlin – Friedrich Merz has secured a third term as leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), signaling a period of stability for the center-right party as it navigates a challenging political landscape. The vote took place at a party congress in Stuttgart on February 21, 2026, and was notable for the presence of former Chancellor Angela Merkel, a move interpreted by some as a show of support for Merz.
According to reports in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Merkel’s appearance wasn’t necessarily driven by a newfound affinity for her former rival, but rather by a belief that Germany needs a capable and functioning government during these difficult times. The development underscores the CDU’s focus on presenting a united front amid domestic and international pressures.
Dziennik noted that Merz actively sought a strong showing in the leadership election, seemingly aiming to build on the success of his recent appearance at the Munich Security Conference. However, the publication suggested he should have focused more on domestic policy and reform during the Stuttgart congress, rather than positioning himself as a foreign policy expert. Despite this, Merz received sustained applause, ultimately securing his position as party leader.
Friedrich Merz re-elected CDU chairman. Strong result for German leader
The result of 91.17 percent in favor of Merz’s re-election is considered a significant achievement given the current political climate, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung. Even factoring in abstentions, Merz still garnered 89.87 percent of the vote. This comes as three-quarters of Germans express dissatisfaction with the current government, according to a recent Forsa poll.
Despite some internal discontent within the CDU regarding Merz and unfulfilled campaign promises, party members appear reluctant to weaken their leader ahead of upcoming regional elections. While Merz’s result surpasses the 83.6 percent achieved by Markus Söder, the leader of the CSU, the sister party to the CDU in Bavaria, commentators suggest this is more a reflection of party discipline than enthusiastic support.
“Stern” magazine cautioned against Merz interpreting the congress as a complete success, stating that the meeting served as a valuable lesson for the CDU leader. “He should finally clarify what kind of Friedrich Merz he actually wants to be,” the magazine wrote. “He has appeared in so many different roles that it is difficult to maintain track of which one is the real one. Does he even know?”
Few specifics offered
German regional and local media also commented on Merz’s address. “In his speech, Merz appeared less as a party chairman and more as a chancellor,” reported Südwest Presse. While outlining a clear direction for increased competitiveness in economic and social policy, Merz offered few concrete details. The publication described his proposals as incomplete but reasonable, suggesting further refinement behind the scenes. Despite a generally subdued mood within the party, delegates reportedly reinforced Merz’s leadership.
According to Nürnberger Zeitung, the ten-minute standing ovation following Merz’s speech suggests the CDU is still capable of enthusiasm and recognizes the need for unity and decisiveness. The newspaper indicated that internal debates and factional disputes will likely be postponed until the party has consolidated its political center.
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