Friedrich Merz leads German elections and aims for independence from US influence

Friedrich Merz's conservative alliance won the German elections, securing 28.5 to 29% of the votes. This positions him as the likely next Chancellor, succeeding Olaf Scholz. The far-right Alternative for Germany came in second with 19.5 to 20%. Merz emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities amid rising tensions with the U.S. He criticized the current U.S. administration's indifference towards Europe and expressed a desire for "real independence" from American influence. He also condemned foreign interference in the election, specifically mentioning Elon Musk's support for the far-right AfD. U.S. President Trump praised Merz's victory, linking it to a shift away from previous policies in Germany.