Can Friedrich Merz save Germany? And what's next for the country?

On February 23rd 2025, Germany’s political landscape shifted as Friedrich Merz and the Christian Democratic Union claimed victory in the national election.

Published 07 March 2025

However, the headlines don't tell the full story – coalition negotiations, policy challenges and international tensions remain. In this lesson, students will work as journalists to investigate the critical decisions faced by Mr Merz.

About this lesson

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Learn about the German election results
  • Explore some of the big questions in the news
  • Discuss some of the decisions Mr Merz needs to make

Skills and knowledge

Every lesson has a skill and knowledge focus. Click to see this lesson's focus and some of the questions students will answer 

  • Speaking

    Step 1: I speak clearly to small groups of people I know
    Did you speak clearly when discussing ideas within your group?

    Step 5: I speak effectively by using appropriate language
    Did you use some of the language to summarise the news story?

    Step 7: I speak engagingly by using facts and examples to support my points
    Did you use the cards to help you think the most important question?

  • Knowledge

    I know who won the 2025 German election and about some of the important decisions facing the new chancellor
    What are the biggest challenges the new German government will face, and how might they try to solve them?

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