Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz plans to free Germany from the fiscal straitjacket that former leader Angela Merkel had locked her country into for more than a decade, a move that will revolutionize public finances and pave the way for Europe’s most powerful economy to bulk up the region’s defense.

Watch the trailer for 'Merkel,' a documentary about Germany's historic chancellor, Angela Merkel, who ruled for 16 years.

From Danijel Višević, General Partner, World Fund, Former communications adviser to chancellor Angela Merkel, Berlin, Germany

Friedrich Merz, the man favored by early exit polls to be Germany’s next chancellor after elections Sunday, was forced out of government years ago in a power struggle with Angela Merkel. The leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union,

Germany’s principal problems are immigration and Islam. The tragedy was set into motion by Conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The debt brake was a nice idea when it was introduces in 2009, but if there was ever a time for Germany to use debt spending to boost its economy, this is it

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.

EXCLUSIVE: As Germany is set to get a new chancellor, an acclaimed documentary examines the leadership and legacy of a previous chancellor – Angela Merkel. The former head of the Christian Democratic Union,

When Elon Musk posted on X in December that the only thing that could “save Germany” was the AfD, he was embracing a political force that has moved steadily to the extreme right since it was founded in 2013.

Having led his party, the Christian Democrats, to first place in Germany’s election last month, Mr. Merz swiftly assumed the mantle of chancellor-in-waiting. He urged the country to move quickly to address the challenges, both domestic and foreign, that threaten to overwhelm it. “The world,” he said, “is not waiting for us.”

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated conservative leader Friedrich Merz on his victory in Sunday's parliamentary election. A spokeswoman for Merkel told the Funke media group on Monday that she texted Merz to offer her congratulations and wish him good luck in building a coalition.

Friedrich Merz has emerged victorious in a general election which saw dramatic changes in German politics – but given that his party is responsible for many of the country’s problems, a radical about turn looks unlikely,