The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s conservatives were on course for a lackluster victory in a national election Sunday, while Alternative for Germany nearly doubled its support, the

Friedrich Merz's conservative party won Germany's national election, positioning him to form a coalition government amidst economic and diplomatic crises. Despite past failures and criticism, Merz's leadership style promises a shift from Merkel's centrism.