Friedrich Merz, a top candidate for German chancellor, criticized a leaked briefing by Germany's U.S. ambassador that condemned Trump's policies. The briefing, reported by Reuters, challenges Trump's democratic principles and media independence.

Donald Trump's return to the White House has darkened the mood in Germany a month before elections, as multiple crises shake the foundations on which Europe's biggest economy built its

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz sees potential in collaborating with U.S. President Trump, advocating for a strong European negotiating stance. His call for unified military purchases faces challenges from France's defense industry.

The front-runner to become Germany's next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has called for a common European strategy in view of the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in just over a week. Merz,

The ruling elite’s responses to Trump include unifying Europe under German leadership, making the continent militarily independent, and achieving greater profitability and competitiveness at the expense of the working class.

Tucking into beer and pretzels, the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor, conservative millionaire Friedrich Merz, is showing off his folksy side.

Ukraine must win the war against Russia, regain lost territory and be free to join military alliances, Friedrich Merz, favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, said Thursday.

Friedrich Merz, currently leading in polls to become German chancellor, said Thursday if elected he will impose strict border controls.

BERLIN - Ukraine must win the war against Russia, regain lost territory and be free to join military alliances, Mr Friedrich Merz - favourite to become Germany’s next chancellor - said on Jan 23. Mr Merz said he wants peace in Ukraine but not “at the price of submission to an imperialist power” and stressed that “Ukraine must win the war”.

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany will eventually have to spend more than 2% of economic output on defence but must first reform its procurement system to get more bang for its buck, opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who is tipped to become the next chancellor, said on Thursday.