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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Four candidates are bidding to be Germany 's next leader in Sunday's election. The would-be chancellors are the incumbent, the opposition leader, the current vice chancellor and — for the first time — a leader of a far-right party.

Explore the complete list of German Chancellors from 1871 to today, including their tenures, political parties, and key contributions.

Trump hailed the result as a "GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY," while the far-right AfD party that Elon Musk has championed made historic gains.

The next German government faces calls to loosen borrowing rules, slash energy costs and spur innovation. It won’t be easy.