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Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany's mainstream conservatives, has said that Europe must become independent from the United States in security matters, after his grouping won the biggest share of the vote in federal elections.

Friedrich Merz could have one shot at fending off ascending populists and an increasingly hostile U.S., analysts say.

Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian ... as Merz is a fierce defender of Europe and NATO. Meanwhile, Merz faces rising pressure on his right: Alternative for Germany (AfD ...

Friedrich Merz, who is set to become the new German ... said after his victory that his top priority is to unify Europe in the face of challenges coming from the United States and Russia.