Friedrich Merz Julia Klöckner Manuel Hagel Michael Kretschmer Mario Voigt Kai Wegner Carsten Linnemann Election Strategy Dennis Thering Elections Coalition Politics Ministerpräsident Daniel Günther Thorsten Frei Stephan Toscani Historical Context Angela Merkel Gordon Schnieder Boris Rhein Armin Laschet Dennis Radtke Hendrik Wüst Markus Söder Statements 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 Andreas Bühl Historical Comparisons Nomination Coalition Negotiations Franziska Hoppermann Party Structure Cabinet Members Cem Özdemir Internal Dynamics Policy Decisions Economic Policy Ministerial Positions Public Opinion Federal Board Nomination Process Rainer Genilke Friedrich Merz's Leadership Chancellor Candidates Sebastian Lechner Anna Kreye Rheinland-Pfalz Helge Braun Municipal Leadership Helmut Kohl Candidacy Haldenwang Alexander Dierks Bundestag Mathias Middelberg Angela Merkel's Role Internal Relations Merkel's Influence Election Campaigns Jan-Marco Luczak Candidates Daniel Peters Dirk Stettner