The leader and top candidate for Chancellor of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Friedrich Merz (R) waves the audience next to Bavaria's State Premier and leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) Markus Soeder (L) after delivering his speech during a campaign event in Brilon, western Germany on January 19, 2025, ahead of parliamentary elections due to take place on February 23, 2025. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)