Mr. Merz deftly walked a line, firmly rejecting criticisms of German democracy while aligning Berlin with key Trump administration priorities. Committing to spending 5% of gross domestic product on ...

Germany’s new chancellor is reshaping Europe’s geopolitical landscape, pushing China away, boosting NATO, and strengthening ...

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized a draft European Union plan that would force rental car companies and large ...

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday said he will work intensively with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to resolve the escalating trade ...

Friedrich Merz after failing to be elected as chancellor at the Bundestag, Berlin, May 6, 2025. AP/Markus Schreiber Finally in power, Mr. Merz faces a fork in the road when it comes to dealing with ...

Supporters of Mr. Merz, a former corporate lawyer, say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.

Friedrich Merz didn’t waste time. Having led his party, the Christian Democrats, to first place in Germany’s election last month, Mr. Merz swiftly assumed the mantle of chancellor in waiting ...