Friedrich Merts Takes Over Chancellorship from Olaf Solts with Flowers – ‘What a Day’

‘What a day,’ muttered Friedrich Merts as he arrived earlier this evening (06.05.2025) at the Chancellery to officially take over his duties as Germany’s Chancellor from outgoing Olaf Solts. During the handover ceremony, Merts had nothing but praise for his predecessor, Chancellor Olaf Solts, especially regarding his ‘Zeitenwende’ declaration that marked his tenure. ‘You kept Germany on the right course during this period and ultimately made the right decisions,’ said Merts, addressing Solts. He added that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Solts delivered one of the truly great speeches of any Chancellor when he spoke about the ‘Zeitenwende,’ a term subsequently adopted in many languages. ‘Thank you,’ said the warmly applauded Solts, who wished good luck to the former Chancellor, who will remain in the Bundestag as a member. ‘I look forward to our collaboration in parliament and will utilize your advice and help,’ Merts added. In turn, Solts welcomed his successor, congratulated him again, wished him ‘good luck, strength, and fortune,’ and emphasized the challenges ahead. Both leaders expressed commitment to solving Germany’s issues through their coalition government. Despite a tumultuous election, Merts stated that the work of his government rests on a ‘stable foundation of trust.’ Speaking in his first press conference, Merts mentioned an ‘honest day’ and characterized it as ‘natural’ that not all MPs voted according to party lines. Addressing the Middle East situation, Merts called it a matter of ‘utmost concern’ and announced that Foreign Minister Jochan Wandtfolk would visit Israel next weekend. Domestically, Merts left open whether he considers initiating a ban against the AfD, following its classification as a far-right organization by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Lars Klingbeil reiterated these sentiments, emphasizing that cooperation with AfD in parliament is excluded by the coalition agreement.