Merz aims for European independence from US as he prepares to lead Germany

Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative party, is set to become chancellor after winning the national election. He aims to give Europe "real independence" from the US amid rising tensions and a fractured political landscape. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gained significant support, finishing second in the election. Mainstream parties have ruled out forming coalitions with the AfD, complicating Merz's efforts to establish a stable government. Merz plans to start coalition talks quickly, aiming to form a government by Easter. His party received 28.5% of the vote, while the Social Democrats fell to their worst result since World War II.