The Latest Breaking News from Friedrich Merz

THE INDEPENDENT VIEW: Editorial: As President Trump’s policies shift towards Russia, Europe is going to have to pay a price and bear some burdens if it wishes to stay free. Has it the resolve to unite and succeed?

Editorial: The victorious CDU leader is likely to be more proactive on the European stage. He will also need to forge broad alliances at home to see off the far right

Stance of German alliance’s leader could herald closer ties with France but ‘debt brake’ poses obstacle to spending

Friedrich Merz, the presumptive chancellor of Germany, has confirmed he will seek a coalition with the social democratic SPD after the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) won the February 23 election, topping the poll with 28.5%. Although the SPD has gone from winning the last election to a record low result of…

ICC says states cannot determine ‘soundness’ of its decisions as Israeli PM faces warrant on Gaza war crime allegations.

After a humbling election defeat for Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his Social Democrats (SPD), the party looked to collect itself on Monday in preparation for a potential new role as the junior partner in a conservative-led government.

Plus: German elections, how I almost got arrested this weekend, and more...

Leader of victorious conservative alliance says continent must build defence capability as US moves towards ‘America alone’ motto

Germany's likely next chancellor warned Europe can no longer rely on its American allies: "I never thought I would end up one day having to say that."