Overview
- Speaking at the Rheinische Post’s Ständehaus-Treff, the 69-year-old described an early tenure defined by long days and near-total abstinence from alcohol.
- He said he strives to keep at least one weekend day at home and to spend time with his wife to manage the pressures of office.
- Merz noted a visit to the Chancellery wine cellar, calling it impressive and joking that bottles from predecessors now have to go.
- Press reports say he opted for non-alcoholic beer during a recent Oktoberfest appearance with senior political figures.
- He added that, without the snap election, he had considered stepping aside for a much younger, uncontested Union candidate and even weighed leaving at the end of 2025.