Friedrich Merz wins German election and aims to form new government

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance, won the recent election with 28% of the vote. He now aims to form a new government, likely in coalition with the defeated Social Democrats, who received a historic low of 16%. Merz emphasized the need for a united Europe to strengthen its defenses amid concerns over NATO's future under U.S. President Donald Trump. He pledged continued support for Ukraine while navigating domestic challenges, including a struggling economy. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gained 20% of the vote, prompting concerns among mainstream parties about its rising influence. Merz and other parties have committed to keeping the AfD out of power.