He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The global situation is changing dramatically day by day, which requires a capable German government, says leader of Christian Democrats, who is in line to be Germany's next chancellor

Germany’s political system is set up to exclude extremists. Yet the country is waking up to a new political reality that has lurched to the right with the once outcast Alternative for Germany (AfD) party now firmly established in German politics.

Friedrich Merz's CDU party emerged as the largest party in Germany's parliament, the Bundestag, earning 28.6% of the vote.

Germany has long been considered to have relatively ambitious climate goals and it’s likely that combatting climate change will remain a priority.

Sunday’s federal elections in Germany were held at a time when Germany’s support for human rights both at home and on the international stage is crucial.

Friedrich Merz, head of the conservative Christian Democrats, has vowed to bring stronger leadership to Europe, where the new Trump administration has sowed anxiety.