Friedrich Merz 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​.

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the favourite to become the country's next chancellor after initial results showed his CDU/CSU bloc leading in Sunday's election, wants to form an effective government as quickly as possible.