Chancellor Friedrich Merz Says He Still Commutes by Berlin S-Bahn

During a CDU election rally alongside Berlin candidate Stefan Evers, Chancellor Friedrich Merz claimed he still uses the Berlin S-Bahn for his commute, specifically the S1, S2 and S25 routes that bring him to Brandenburger Tor, where he alights and walks a short distance to the Bundeskanzleramt. He said he sometimes adds a brief stroll past a plaque honoring former U.S. President Ronald Reagan on the west side of the gate.

Merz also mentioned that he frequently runs in the Tiergarten, which he can see from his office. The comments sparked sarcasm online, with critics noting the absence of any photos or videos of him on the train and labeling him a self-promoter. When asked for verification, a spokesperson for the press and information office simply reiterated Merz’s words without providing dates or line details. Media reports also note that Merz lives in a government apartment near Potsdamer Platz, a short S-Bahn ride from the Brandenburger Tor station.