Overview

• Friedrich Merz, CDU leader, used the Bundeswehr's flight service 30 times during the current legislative period, significantly more than any other Bundestag faction leader.
• In the past year alone, Merz took 11 flights to destinations including Brussels, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Rzeszow, a key stop for travel to Kyiv.
• Only one other faction leader, Rolf Mützenich of the SPD, used the service during the same period, taking just two flights for official purposes.
• Leftist politician Sören Pellmann criticized Merz's frequent flights, calling them an irresponsible use of taxpayer funds and likening his behavior to that of a self-styled future chancellor.
• The CDU defended Merz's travel, stating that the flights were conducted in accordance with official guidelines and were necessary for engagements with key European partners.