How rich is Friedrich Merz? (Image: Hoch3fotography)
Friedrich Merz is not only one of the most famous politicians in Germany, but also a successful economic lawyer and member of the supervisory board.
For a long time there has been speculation about how wealthy the CDU boss really is-from “millionaire” to “super rich”, the estimates differ widely. But what does the reality look like?
We take a closer look at that FRIEDS by Friedrich Merz And his salary as a politician.
Friedrich Merz: At a glance at an overview of the CDU politician
Friedrich Merz is one of the wealthiest politicians in Germany – and not only through his political career.
Friedrich Merz’s estimated assets are around 12 million eurosbuilt up by clever investments, stock participations and considerable property ownership.
| Total assets | approx. 12 million euros |
| Stock | approx. 5.5 million euros |
| Real estate ownership | approx. 5 million euros |
| – residential building in the Sauerland | Part of real estate assets |
| – holiday home on Lake Tegernsee | Part of real estate assets |
| Private aircraft (Diamond DA62) | approx. 1.3 million euros |
| Political income (2024) | approx. 200,000 euros gross annually |
| – MPs | 11,227.20 €/month (approx. € 135,000/year) |
| -Graduate chairman | approx. 70,000 – 130,000 €/year |
| Earlier income in the economy | Up to 1 million euros/year (e.g. at Blackrock) |
| – Blackrock (2016–2020) | Estimated 150,000 – 500,000 €/year |
| – Legal and advisory activity | Up to 1 million €/year |
Merz invested early in shares, including Stadler Raila Swiss train manufacturer. At the 2019 IPO, he held shares in the value of 5.5 million euros. These and further investments in the financial markets have increased his assets considerably.
A significant part of his assets are in real estate. Its best -known possessions are:
- Residential building in the Sauerland – Main residence of Friedrich Merz and his family.
- Holiday house on Lake Tegernsee – Exclusive retreat in one of the most expensive regions in Germany.
The total value of his real estate is on approx. 5 million euros estimated.
Merz is known for his passion for aircraft.
His currently most exclusive means of transportation: one Diamond da62A two-engine light aircraft that he himself flies-often referred to as “flying luxury SUV”. There is no information about his current fleet, but his first car was a Light green Simca Chrysler with 90 hp and automatic.
Salary of Friedrich Merz: How much does the CDU politician earn?
As CDU chairman, Merz currently earns about 200,000 euros per yearwhich is significantly less than in its time in the economy.
While he earned seven -digit amounts earlier as a consultant and chairman of the supervisory board, he decided on a lower income with his political comeback – but for maximum political influence.
His current content in politics
As CDU chairman and parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag, Merz deserves:
- Basic content as a member of the Bundestag: 11,227.20 euros per month – that’s about 134,724 euros gross per year.
- Additional remuneration as a parliamentary group leader: Estimated 70,000 to 130,000 euros annually.
Overall, his current income from politics is around 200,000 euros gross a year.
Its earlier income in the economy
Before Merz returned to politics, he worked as chairman of the supervisory board, consultant and lawyer – and earned significantly more:
- Blackrock Germany (2016–2020): His salary is on 500,000 euros per year estimated, with some sources of at least 150,000 euros plus bonuses and consulting fees go out.
- Lawyer & Consultant (UA near Mayer Brown): Here he should up to 1 million euros have earned.
- Total income before returning to politics: According to Merz’s own statement, it was Annual gross income at around 1 million euros.
What positions did Friedrich Merz hold in the private sector?
Friedrich Merz was not only active in politics, but also well networked in the private sector for many years.
He occupied high -ranking positions on supervisory boards, worked as a lawyer and was involved in business associations. Here are his most important professional stations outside of politics:
1. Supervisory Board and Administrative Council Mandate
Merz worked in several large companies as the supervisory board or board of directors:
- Blackrock Germany (2016–2020): As the chairman of the German branch of the world’s largest asset manager, he gave contacts with politics and business.
- Stadler Rail AG (until 2020): Board of Directors at the Swiss train manufacturer.
- Wepa Industrie Holding SE (2009–2021): Supervisory Board member at the leading European hygiene paper manufacturer.
- Airport Cologne/Bonn GmbH (2017–2020): Member of the Supervisory Board.
- Deutsche Börse AG (until 2015): Supervisory Board member.
- BASF Antwerp NV (until 2014): Board of Directors with a focus on colors and pigments.
- AXA Group AG (until 2014): Supervisory Board member.
- Commerzbank AG (until 2009): Member of the Supervisory Board.
2. Activity as a lawyer and consultant
In addition to his supervisory board data, Merz also worked as an economic lawyer and consultant:
- Mayer Brown LLP (2005–2021): Only as a partner, later as a senior country in the international business office. He supervised large corporations such as BASF in mergers, compliance issues and financial law.
- WestLB (2010–2011): As a representative, he helped the state -based renovation of the struck Landesbank.
3. Engagement in business -related associations
Merz was also economically active outside of classic companies:
- Economic Council of the CDU: Vice President of the influential lobby association until 2021.
- Atlantic Bridge (2009–2019): Chairman of the organization to promote transatlantic relationships.
4. Other positions
- Member of the advisory board of the HSBC Trinkaus & Burkhardt (until 2011).
- Founding member of the Initiative New Social Market Economy (INSM).
Biography: Who is Friedrich Merz?
Friedrich Merz is one of the most formative figures in German politics – a politician with a clear economic -liberal handwriting and a remarkable career that led him from the judiciary to the European Parliament to the top of the CDU.
From Sauerland to Berlin: the political career
Born in Brilon in 1955, Merz came from a family of lawyers and decided early on for a career in politics and business. After studying law in Bonn and Marburg and a first station as a judge, he was drawn to politics.
In 1989 he was elected to the European Parliament before moving to the German Bundestag for the CDU for the first time in 1994. As the leader of the Union from 2000 to 2002, he was considered the sharpest opposition leader against the red-green government by Gerhard Schröder. But with Angela Merkel’s rise, he lost influence and withdrew from politics in 2009.
After over a decade in business – among other things as a supervisory board head of Blackrock Germany – he celebrated his political comeback in 2021. At the beginning of 2022 he became CDU chairman and took over the management of the parliamentary group again in the Bundestag. His declared goal: modernize the Union and lead it back to the government.
Economic and financial expert with clear positions
Merz stands for economic -liberal politics, low taxes and reduction in bureaucracy. His famous “tax return on a beer cover” became a symbol of its reform ideas. It is committed to a strong economy, technological progress and a conservative social policy.
Private life and current course
Despite his nationwide awareness, Merz remains true to his homeland in the Sauerland. He has been married to Charlotte Merz since 1981 and has three children. In addition to politics, he is an enthusiastic pilot and has his own light aircraft.
As an opposition leader and possible candidate for the Chancellor for the Bundestag election in 2025, Merz is fighting to bring the CDU back to the government as a leading political force. His economic policy experience, his entrepreneurial network and its clear line make him one of the most influential politicians in Germany