Friedrich Merz, the CDU's chancellor candidate, has called for greater respect for high earners in Germany, urging a shift in mentality towards economic success.

In an interview with "Bild am Sonntag," Merz emphasized the importance of recognizing and emulating financial achievement, citing the United States as a model where success is celebrated rather than criticized.

He expressed concern over the perception of work as merely an interruption to leisure, warning that this attitude could lead to significant economic decline.

Merz, who previously worked as the chairman of Blackrock's German division, reflected on his own career, noting that his success was a result of hard work and not mere luck.

He also criticized FDP leader Christian Lindner, accusing the party of "political suicide" and undermining the coalition government.

Merz questioned why Germany, with 45 million employed individuals, does not produce more work hours than it did 30 years ago, suggesting that work should be seen as a part of personal fulfillment and self-realization.