Friedrich Merz Criticized for Frequent Use of Government Aircraft

The CDU leader has used the German military's flight service more than any other Bundestag faction leader, raising concerns over taxpayer expenses.

Friedrich Merz, CDU leader and opposition figure, utilized the Bundeswehr's flight service 30 times during the current legislative period, including 11 flights in the past year alone.
Destinations included key international locations such as Brussels, Paris, Tel Aviv, and Rzeszów, a stopover for trips to Kyiv, Ukraine.
Merz's usage far exceeds that of other Bundestag faction leaders, with most not using the service at all; only SPD's Rolf Mützenich took two flights during the same period.
Critics, including Left Party politician Sören Pellmann, have accused Merz of irresponsibly spending taxpayer money and behaving as though he already holds a government position.
The CDU defended Merz's travel, stating that all flights adhered to official guidelines and were necessary for maintaining relationships with European partners.