Merz or Stromberg? The amazing parallels in the Chancellery!

Merz or Stromberg? The amazing parallels in the Chancellery!

In recent days, a comparison between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the popular series character Bernd Stromberg has caused a stir. While Christoph Maria Herbst, who plays the office boss Stromberg in the hit series of the same name, gave new impetus to the discussion in the run-up to the premiere of his new film, Stefan Kornelius, the government spokesman appointed by Merz, definitely recognizes visual similarities, but would like to emphasize that there are also significant differences. Northern Courier reports that the upcoming theatrical release of “Stromberg – Everything as Always Again” on December 4th will also raise the question of Merz’s rhetoric.

Comparison videos were spread on social media in particular, in which the similarities in the statements of Merz and Stromberg are highlighted. Herbst in particular finds some of these clips amusing, while pointing out that such comparisons don't do justice to Merz as a person. The actor highlighted that he often compares Merz's language with that of his character, especially when it comes to issues such as women and minorities. An example of this is Merz's controversial sentence “Now it can be Rambozambo,” which he said after winning the election on February 23, 2025. Stern.de explains that Merz's statements are often in the same vein as the rhetoric of the fictional Stromberg.

The character Stromberg and his parallels

Bernd Stromberg, played by Herbst, who made many viewers laugh in the series “Stromberg” from 2004 to 2012, is known for his often provocative manner. The similarities to Merz have become a topic of discussion in public, although Kornelius makes it clear that these are mainly visual characteristics that connect the two characters. Merz is often criticized for his statements about women and for his general rhetoric, which is also visible in the assessment of his political statements. Fr.de highlights that Merz has come into focus in various statements such as criticism of a women's quota or certain political decisions in the past.

Herbst himself has made it clear in interviews that these comparisons are not just limited to external appearance. Some of Merz's quotes could almost come from a script for the series. The unnecessary gender game in the political sphere is often criticized. Examples of Merz's rhetoric, such as his handling of the issue of women in office, cast a shadow on his credibility and make comparisons to the satirical figure of Stromberg seem seamless.

“Stromberg – Everything as usual again”

In the upcoming sequel, which opens in theaters on December 4th, Herbst promises that the story will be noticeably different from its predecessor. The new film will contain both comedic and tragic elements and further explore the character Stromberg, who is already anchored in the past. But the ongoing discussion about whether and how much of Merz is in Stromberg shows that it's not just about entertainment, but also about deeper social issues that it addresses. The public question remains whether Merz will continue to be popular in his rhetoric, similar to Stromberg's.

The timeless discussion about the treatment of women, the type of political rhetoric and the presence of figures like Stromberg who reflect us in entertainment are definitely a topic of conversation - both in cinema and in politics.