Berlin, November 11, 2025 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz celebrated his 70th birthday on Tuesday with a mix of political formality, personal warmth, and reflections on age and leadership. The celebration, held at Berlin’s iconic Reichstag building, brought together leading figures from Germany’s political, social, and cultural life — marking a significant milestone for one of Europe’s most seasoned statesmen.
A Birthday Celebration at the Heart of German Democracy
The evening reception in the Reichstag was hosted by members of Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU). The event was attended by around 300 guests, including prominent figures such as Jens Spahn, leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, and representatives of the Social Democrats (SPD) and Greens, the two junior partners in Merz’s governing coalition.
To mark the occasion, Merz was presented with a German flag that once flew from one of the four towers of the Reichstag — a symbolic tribute to his leadership and service to the country.
Jens Spahn also presented the chancellor with a set of three animal-themed ties — featuring elephants, dolphins, and squirrels — a lighthearted nod to Merz’s well-known taste for playful patterns.
“It’s a token of appreciation, but also a reminder of how even in politics, there’s room for a little humor,” Spahn said during the presentation.
The event blended political formality with personal celebration, reflecting Merz’s dual role as both statesman and family man.
Family, Football, and Fellowship
Beyond politics, the guest list included notable figures from business and sports, such as Hans-Joachim Watzke, the Managing Director of Borussia Dortmund, alongside several state premiers and members of Merz’s family.
After the formal reception, Merz planned to continue the celebrations privately with his wife, children, and grandchildren, describing the evening as “an opportunity to enjoy time with those who matter most.”
“A Normal Working Day” — Merz Reflects on Age and Experience
Despite turning 70, Chancellor Merz insisted that the day would be “a normal working day,” underscoring his commitment to duty and discipline.
“A big advantage of age is that you become more relaxed and learn to separate the essential from the non-essential,” he said during an interview earlier in the day.
Merz remains deeply engaged with the challenges of his office — from defense reform and economic modernization to Europe’s shifting security landscape — and continues to frame his leadership around stability, continuity, and pragmatic conservatism.
A Milestone in German Political History
At 70, Friedrich Merz becomes the first German chancellor over the age of 70 since Konrad Adenauer, the founding chancellor of post-war West Germany. Adenauer took office at 73 and led the country until the age of 87 — a comparison that has not gone unnoticed in Berlin’s political circles.
Among the 27 European Union heads of state and government, Merz is now the oldest leader, though he is still younger than several global counterparts:
- Xi Jinping, President of China – 72
- Vladimir Putin, President of Russia – 73
- Donald Trump, President of the United States – 79
While Merz rarely addresses the topic of age directly, he acknowledged in a recent podcast interview that it has become something he reflects on.
“I’m no longer 40, not even 50, and of course I ask myself: are you really physically up to this task?” he said, adding that he remains in excellent shape and fully capable of handling the demands of leadership.
Fitness, Focus, and Forward Thinking
Merz attributes his continued vitality to an active lifestyle and disciplined routine. Even as he juggles long workdays and international travel, he continues to emphasize physical fitness, mental clarity, and strategic foresight as key components of his leadership style.
“I am grateful that I am fit and healthy and can concentrate fully on my task as federal chancellor,” Merz told reporters, highlighting his determination to lead with energy and purpose.
His aides describe him as focused and tireless, often arriving early at the Chancellery and working late into the night. Those close to him say the chancellor’s approach blends traditional conservative values with a modern, forward-looking pragmatism aimed at ensuring Germany’s strength and stability in a changing world.
Leadership Beyond Age
Friedrich Merz’s 70th birthday comes at a pivotal time for Germany and Europe. With ongoing debates over military service reform, defense spending, and EU security cooperation, Merz remains at the center of crucial policy decisions shaping the continent’s future.
His leadership, characterized by resilience and strategic patience, continues to draw both admiration and criticism — but few dispute his staying power or influence.
As the chancellor celebrated surrounded by colleagues, family, and friends, the message of the evening was clear: age has not slowed Merz down — it has seasoned him.
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