For years, Germany’s business model was based on cheap energy fueling production of industrial goods for export. In 2011, then-Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to hasten the end of nuclear power use in Germany while relying on gas from Russia to bridge the gap as the country moved away from coal generation and toward renewable energy.
Former Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel, left, and her husband Joachim Sauer attend the state commemoration ceremony in memory of the former German President Horst Koehler, who died on Feb.
For years, Germany's business model was based on cheap energy fueling production of industrial goods for export. In 2011, then-Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to hasten the end of nuclear power use in Germany while relying on gas from Russia to bridge the gap as the country moved away from coal generation and toward renewable energy.
Friedrich Merz, the man favored by early exit polls to be Germany’s next chancellor after elections Sunday, was forced out of government years ago in a power struggle with Angela Merkel. The leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union,
Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated conservative leader Friedrich Merz on his victory in Sunday's parliamentary election. A spokeswoman for Merkel told the Funke media group on Monday that she texted Merz to offer her congratulations and wish him good luck in building a coalition.
The Christian Democrat, whose party won the parliamentary elections, quickly began negotiating with the Social Democrats to secure a majority in parliament. The likely future chancellor insists the country cannot delay the military investments needed due to US disengagement.
Explore the complete list of German Chancellors from 1871 to today, including their tenures, political parties, and key contributions.
The 69-year-old CDU candidate is set to become chancellor at a time when Germany is going through a deep economic, security and identity crisis.
Across Europe the old order is collapsing while the nationalist right makes sweeping gains. Giorgia Meloni – once branded “Far Right” by most of Europe’s media - is in power in Italy. In the Netherlands anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders heads the electorate’s favourite party.
Friedrich Merz, head of the conservative Christian Democrats, has vowed to bring stronger leadership to Europe, where the new Trump administration has sowed anxiety.
Trump hailed the result as a "GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY," while the far-right AfD party that Elon Musk has championed made historic gains.