Friedrich Merz’s halting path to the chancellor’s office inflamed his challenges at home and abroad, including a threat from the far right.
Author: Jim Tankersley
Germans Reach Deal to Spend Big on Defense, Climate and More
The agreement between centrist parties, led by the likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, was billed as a response to America’s shrinking security guarantees.
Germans Agree to Borrow More for Military, in Sharp Response to Trump
The agreement between Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor, and his potential coalition partners also includes big new infrastructure spending.
German Election 2025: Friedrich Merz Appears Poised to Be Next Chancellor
The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.
Friedrich Merz German elections
Whether he can form a strong coalition remains to be seen, but whatever he does will be an essential part of Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.
Why the Far-Right AfD Is Unlikely to Join Germany’s Next Government
The collective shunning of the AfD party is part of a longstanding attempt to blunt its move into the mainstream.
German Election Spotlight Turns to Trump
The American president’s foreign policy, and a divisive speech by his vice president, drew attention away from an attack by a refugee that some expected would fan political tensions over migration.
Vance and Musk Attack German Consensus on Nazis and Speech
Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk have challenged decades-long approaches to political extremism that were designed to prevent another Hitler.