CDU/CSU

Germany

Friedrich Merz confirmed as Germany’s chancellor – but betrayal by MPs in a secret ballot means he starts from a position of weakness

— Friedrich Merz became Germany’s chancellor after a humiliating first-round defeat in parliament, exposing deep coalition rifts and dealing an early blow to his authority and European leadership hopes.

Germany

What happened in the German parliament and why is the far-right hailing it as a ‘historic’ moment?

— Germany’s CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, has shifted rightward on immigration, passing a Bundestag vote with the support of the far-right AfD, breaking a political firewall. This controversial move intensifies Germany’s polarised election climate.

Germany

Why the German government collapsed and what to expect now

— After German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, effectively collapsing the government coalition, Conservative leader Friedrich Merz, who aligns with Trump-style policies, has called for immediate elections in Germany.