Germany's likely next chancellor, a conservative, Friedrich Merz warned Europe should seek "independence" from the US as it grapples with the Trump administration's lack of support for Ukraine. France's Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron made very clear he believes Putin was "the aggressor" in Ukraine.

Donald Trump may end up drawing down the American troops who have guaranteed German security for 80 years and slapping tariffs on the country’s exports. Although an election held on February 23rd will probably result in a centrist coalition taking power under the leadership of the conservative Friedrich Merz.

While the far right made historic gains in Germany’s pivotal federal elections on Sunday, the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party ultimately thrived with Friedrich Merz securing nearly 29% of the vote and placing him in the top spot to lead the country.

The votes were still being counted Sunday but the results were clear: Germany’s conservative Friedrich Merz is the new chancellor. And he wants nothing to do with U.S. President Donald Trump. Merz’s CDU/CSU–Christian Democrats,

Germany's incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said an 'absolute priority' for him will be to distance Europe from the U.S. following comments by President Donald Trump.

Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz could be left with little room to ease fiscal policy, Berenberg's Holger Schmieding said in a note. The populist AfD and Left parties garnered more than one-third of seats and could block any changes to the German constitution.

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has triumphed at Germany’s ballot boxes, paving his way to become the next chancellor. His win is of particular significance to Europe — the leader has vowed to strengthen the EU,

Friedrich Merz’s conservatives triumphed in Germany’s elections, obtaining over 28% of the vote, as the far-right AfD gained over 20%. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a historic defeat with just 16%,

Germany’s conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the elections, securing over 28% of the vote, while the far-right AfD gained over 20%. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD suffered a historic low with 16%.

Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance — is a U.S.-loving former lawyer but he may clash with President Donald Trump ...

Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the results “bitter” for his center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), which suffered a significant loss.