Friedrich Merz Michael Kretschmer Mario Voigt Kai Wegner Election Strategy Manuel Hagel Stephan Toscani Angela Merkel Ministerpräsident Coalition Politics Dennis Thering Historical Context Daniel Günther Boris Rhein Hendrik Wüst Elections Carsten Linnemann Statements Markus Söder Armin Laschet Gordon Schnieder Thorsten Frei Dennis Radtke Dirk Stettner Merz and Söder Election Dynamics Election Commentary Local Politics Franziska Brantner Ulrich Oberste-Padtberg Internal Conflicts Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer Jan Redmann Friedrich Merz's Vision Joe Chialo Election Strategies Gordon Hoffmann Martin Svoboda Internal Discussions Merz Cabinet Negotiation Teams Gender Dynamics Bernhard Vogel Historical Impact Vogel's Influence Historical Figures Roderich Kiesewetter Nomination Process Rainer Genilke Friedrich Merz's Leadership Chancellor Candidates Sebastian Lechner Anna Kreye Rheinland-Pfalz Helge Braun Municipal Leadership Helmut Kohl Haldenwang Alexander Dierks Bundestag Mathias Middelberg Angela Merkel's Role Internal Relations Merkel's Influence Election Campaigns Julia Klöckner Jan-Marco Luczak Candidates Daniel Peters