Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance — is a U.S.-loving former lawyer but he may clash with President Donald Trump, as Merz is a fierce defender of Europe and NATO.

The 69-year-old CDU candidate is set to become chancellor at a time when Germany is going through a deep economic, security and identity crisis.

"The Germans are obviously done with Olaf Scholz", who was "seen by many as the face of the ... distancing themselves from the legacy of former CDU chancellor Angela Merkel, who three times led a grand coalition, would be "in everyone's interest", said ...

Germany's conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the elections, securing over 28% of the vote, while the far-right AfD gained over 20%. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD suffered a historic low with 16%.

The 69-year-old CDU leader Friedrich Merz is a major favourite for the German chancellorship after Sunday's snap election. View on euronews