Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting prioritizes ‘real’ independence from the US − but what does that mean and is it achievable?
Germany’s presumptive new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, faces challenges both at home and overseas following his conservative alliance’s election victory on Feb. 23, 2025. A strong showing from the hard-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) – which Merz,
New German Chancellor Merz says 'priority' is to make county, Europe independent of Trump-era USA
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said after his unofficial victory Sunday that a top priority is to make his country and the rest of Europe stronger so that they can become independent from the U.S. with President Donald Trump in office.
Germany’s new conservative leader looks to ‘achieve independence’ from US
Germany's incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said an 'absolute priority' for him will be to distance Europe from the U.S. following comments by President Donald Trump.
Germany to move toward 'independence' from US, new leader says
Friedrich Merz's CDU party emerged as the largest party in Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, earning 28.6% of the vote.
Europe Should 'Achieve Independence' From US, Says Germany's Merz
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's mainstream conservatives, has said that Europe must become independent from the United States in security matters, after his grouping won the biggest share of the vote in federal elections.
Germany’s election winner pledges ‘independence from US’
Germany’s Friedrich Merz promised to “achieve independence” from the US after his centre-right bloc won federal elections, putting him at the head of a potentially complex coalition at a time of upheaval for Europe.
German election winner vows ‘real independence’ from US
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s center-right Christian Democrats, who finished first in Sunday’s election, has vowed “real independence from the USA” as he sets about forming a coalition government,
Merz vows "independence" from U.S. after claiming Germany election win
Trump's statements on Ukraine last week make it "clear" Americans are "largely indifferent to the fate of Europe," Merz said.
Likely next German chancellor Merz questions NATO's future in 'current form'
Germany's likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned on Sunday whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June ...
Kremlin Says 'Let's See' When Asked About Future Ties With New German Chancellor
Merz, 69, is set to become Germany's next chancellor after his CDU/CSU bloc came in first place, with the far-right ...
German election as it happened: Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor
A former BlackRock Germany chair and amateur pilot, Merz is widely expected to become the next chancellor. He has promised to ...
Conservative opposition wins German election and the far right is 2nd with strongest postwar result
Projections show German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have won a lackluster victory in Sunday's national ...
German election winner seeks ‘independence’ from U.S. What does that mean?
Friedrich Merz said that Europe needed to “achieve independence from the United States, step by step.” That won’t be easy, ...
German elections: CDU’s Merz looks set to be next chancellor as far-right AfD surges
Millions of Germans are voting in snap elections. The centre-right CDU is predicted to win the biggest share of votes, putting its leader Friedrich Merz in pole position to be next chancellor. Follow ...
Conservatives celebrate German election win as the far right sees historic success
German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives have won a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, ...
Elon Musk's X supported far-right German party celebrating historic election gains
Elon Musk endorsed AfD, an anti-immigration party that just won the most support of any far-right party since World War II.
German Chancellor Scholz: Ceasefire in Ukraine still a long way off
Europe must ensure that Ukraine remains capable of defending itself even after a ceasefire, which remains a far-off prospect, ...
What's at stake for Europe after the German election?
With domestic problems and foreign policy crises looming large, the pressure is on to form a new government in Berlin. View ...