Germany's CDU/CSU wins election as Merz pledges stronger defense and reduced US reliance

Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance won the February 23 elections, with Friedrich Merz becoming the next chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) nearly doubled its vote share to over 20 percent, reflecting growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Merz has promised to address irregular immigration and called for a quick coalition formation. He emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its defense and lessen dependence on the United States. World leaders, including Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron, have noted the election's significance for European politics and transatlantic relations.