Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has reportedly abstained from alcohol consumption since assuming office in May. During a public event hosted by the “Rheinische Post” newspaper in Düsseldorf on Monday evening, Chancellor Merz stated, “I practically no longer drink alcohol. That’s a consequence of holding office. It’s either a great deal or none at all.
This suggests that the “two beers” Merz publicly acknowledged consuming during a meeting with SPD leader Bärbel Bas in early September and the full liter of beer he enjoyed at the recent Oktoberfest alongside Bas, as well as Markus Söder and Stefan Klingbeil, were likely non-alcoholic.
Chancellor Merz also commented on a recent inspection of the chancellery’s wine cellar, describing it as “impressive” and noting the presence of bottles from previous chancellors, adding with a lighthearted tone, “Those need to be cleared out now.
Reflecting on the impact of the office, Merz acknowledged a degree of personal change. “I asked myself in the summer how the office has changed me” he stated. “Yes, of course, a little bit”. He emphasized the significant demands the position places on family life and affirmed his commitment to avoiding pressure and adhering to his own pace.