Friedrich Merz, the German Chancellor, is attending his first Bundesliga match today. He will watch the clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC St. Pauli at 3:30 PM local time. This historic event marks his debut appearance as Chancellor at a football game.
Chancellor Merz’s Recognition
The Chancellor is visiting Dortmund for a special reason. He will receive the prestigious “Großer Stutenkerl” award from the West German Bakers Association. This honor is the highest recognition given by the association.
The award ceremony will feature a laudation by Hans-Joachim Watzke, the president of Borussia Dortmund. Merz and Watzke share a long-standing friendship, which has played a significant role in Merz’s decision to attend the match.
Match Attendance Details
Chancellor Merz is expected to sit in the main grandstand alongside Watzke and Carsten Cramer, BVB’s managing director. The game is crucial for Borussia Dortmund, who currently hold second place in the Bundesliga.
Past Experiences at Borussia Dortmund Matches
- Merz’s previous attendance at Dortmund matches has not been fortunate for the team.
- In the 2022/2023 season, he witnessed BVB relinquish a likely title with a 2:2 draw against Mainz.
- He was also present during the UEFA Champions League final where Dortmund lost 0:2 to Real Madrid.
The Connection Between Merz and Watzke
The close relationship between Merz and Watzke originates from their shared roots in the Sauerland region. They have known each other for approximately 50 years. Watzke has publicly expressed alignment with several of Merz’s political views.
From 2010 to 2014, Merz was a member of the supervisory board at BVB while Watzke served as managing director. Their friendship has remained strong, with regular communication even after Merz assumed the Chancellorship. When Borussia Dortmund won a cup match in October, Merz was among the first to congratulate Watzke.
Watzke was also invited to celebrate Merz’s 70th birthday in November of last year. This ongoing relationship highlights the blend of sports and politics in Germany.
