German chancellor: “Ukraine war may drag on”

Chancellor Merz urges Western unity, pledges military and economic reform

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has set a bold agenda, emphasizing unity in the West over Ukraine, a robust German military, and economic revitalization to secure the nation's leadership role on the global stage.

Merz, Trump Agree on Need to Resolve Trade Disputes, Germany Says

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resolve trade disputes and cooperate on Ukraine during a phone call Thursday evening.

Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s chancellor: global reactions

Friedrich Merz has been elected as Germany’s 10th chancellor, prompting a wave of international reactions and congratulations as he prepares to navigate significant challenges at home and abroad.

U.S. Congratulates Germany's new chancellor Friedrich Merz, pledges continued cooperation

The United States on Tuesday formally congratulated Friedrich Merz on his election as Germany’s new chancellor, reaffirming its commitment to close transatlantic cooperation amid evolving global challenges.

Friedrich Merz's bid for power: A deep dive into the vote, CDU strategy, and AFD's standing

On May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz faced an unprecedented setback before ultimately securing his position as Germany's new chancellor.

Germany’s Merz appoints utility executive as economy minister in initial cabinet selections

Germany's next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, on Monday announced his first major cabinet nominations. He selected energy executive Katherina Reiche as the likely economy minister and close ally Johann Wadephul, a foreign policy expert, as foreign minister.

Germany reboots as Trump redraws trade lines

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has struck a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), forming a new government aimed at lifting Europe’s largest economy out of stagnation just as U.S. tariffs risk plunging global trade into crisis.

Proclaiming "Germany is back," Merz won historic debt deal

Germany's election-winning conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, and the Social Democrats (SPD) have reached an agreement in principle with the Greens on a significant increase in state borrowing ahead of next week’s parliamentary vote.

Merz: no immediate debt brake reform, military spending increase uncertain

Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has ruled out a swift reform of the country’s debt brake and expressed caution over the possibility of securing parliamentary approval for a large-scale military spending boost.

Merz says he will facilitate Netanyahu's visit to Germany despite ICC arrest warrant

Berlin, February 24, 2025 – Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, declared on Monday that he would work to ensure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can visit Germany without facing arrest under an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant.

Germany's CDU triumphs in national election, Merz set to become chancellor

The CDU won Germany’s national election, with Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor. The far-right AfD made significant gains, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a major setback.

Policies of Friedrich Merz's Germany's conservatives

German conservatives win election but far-right AfD surges, exit polls show

Germany's conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, won the national election, positioning him to become the next chancellor. The far-right AfD secured its best-ever result, while coalition talks face challenges over migration and dealing with the AfD in the context of Germany's history.

German snap election: key players and stakes in the battle for future governance

Berlin, February 17, 2025 - German voters head to the polls on February 23 to decide who will lead the country’s next government in a snap election triggered by the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s centre-left coalition.

German opposition leader vows to build 50 gas-fired power plants if elected

Germany's opposition leader Friedrich Merz vows to build 50 gas-fired power plants to tackle energy challenges if elected chancellor, citing wind power shortfalls and nuclear plant closures.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz signals defence spending increase

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s opposition leader and likely next chancellor, has pledged to increase defence spending but declined to commit to NATO’s proposed 5% GDP target, highlighting the need for practical and sustainable measures ahead of February’s parliamentary elections.