Friedrich Merz, on course to become post-World War II Germany's 10th chancellor after the country's election, 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.

Friedrich Merz, who has been declared winner in Germany’s elections, has a long to-do list to fulfil his promise of building a ‘Germany we can be proud of again’. From securing its borders to strengthening its weakening economy,

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