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.
“We congratulate Friedrich Merz on his election as chancellor in Germany,” said U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce during a press briefing. “We will continue to work with Germany and its next government to ensure the security of the United States and Europe.”
Merz, the leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), was elected chancellor by the Bundestag on Tuesday in a second round of voting, following weeks of coalition negotiations. His party secured a governing majority in alliance with the Social Democrats after snap elections held on February 23.
With his confirmation, Merz becomes Germany’s 10th chancellor since World War II, succeeding Olaf Scholz and marking a shift toward more conservative leadership in Berlin. His election is expected to influence Germany’s domestic economic policy as well as its approach to NATO, EU integration, and relations with Washington.
The White House has not yet issued a statement, but officials indicated that President Donald Trump is expected to speak with Chancellor Merz in the coming days to extend congratulations and discuss shared priorities.
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