Merz and Germany’s New Government Face a Tricky Challenge: an AfD-Led Opposition

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition is weighing how to confront the Alternative for Germany party, which has been rising in the polls.

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Friedrich Merz Becomes German Chancellor After Winning Second Vote

Friedrich Merz secured the top job but only after losing on his first attempt, a surprise that potentially weakens his government at a fraught time for Germany and Europe

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Who Is Friedrich Merz, Who Lost First Parliamentary Vote to Become Germany’s Chancellor?

Supporters of the former corporate lawyer say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.

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What to Know About Germany’s New Government

The choice of ministers points to a tolerance for political risk, but it also assembles a team of loyalists around the new chancellor and vice chancellor.

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Coalition Deal in Germany Clears Way for Friedrich Merz to Become Chancellor

The agreement was concluded relatively quickly but still took about six and half weeks, during which the country had been virtually rudderless at a critical moment for Europe.

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Why Germany Wants to Loosen Its Debt Brake

An incoming government wants to borrow much more to revamp the economy and rebuild the military. That means a change in the country’s Constitution — and its culture.

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Merz Challenges Germans to Make a Bold Strategic Shift. Will They Do It?

The likely next chancellor has staked his government on a move to increase military spending. But the window for change is closing fast.

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Germans Agree to Borrow More for Military, in Sharp Response to Trump

The agreement between Friedrich Merz, the likely next chancellor, and his potential coalition partners also includes big new infrastructure spending.

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German Election 2025: Friedrich Merz Appears Poised to Be Next Chancellor

Whether he can form a strong coalition remains to be seen, but whatever he does will be an essential part of Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.

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German Federal Election: What to Watch For

What Germans decide in national elections that are likely to produce a new chancellor will be of critical importance as Europe re-evaluates relations with the Trump administration.

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