Friedrich Merz poised to lead Germany after CDU wins federal elections

Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor after the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) won the federal elections. The CDU/CSU coalition secured 211 seats, but will need to form a coalition government as no party achieved a majority. Merz, who has a right-wing reputation, previously lost leadership bids but took control of the CDU in 2022. He aims to avoid a coalition with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) and is likely to pursue a "Grand Coalition" with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and possibly the Greens. Merz plans to address voter concerns on immigration and the economy while seeking greater European independence from the U.S. The AfD remains a significant opposition force, complicating Merz's efforts to govern effectively.