Friedrich Merz Begins Chancellor Tenure with Focus on European Unity
New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to visit Warsaw and Paris to reinforce support for Ukraine and address U.S. trade pressures.
The new pairing of Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron — both firm believers in the European Union — could help stiffen resistance from the 27-nation bloc against pressure from Trump and against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
German chancellor to visit Warsaw and Paris to stress European unity
ABC News·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The new pairing of Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron — both firm believers in the European Union — could help stiffen resistance from the 27-nation bloc against pressure from Trump and against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz to visit Warsaw and Paris in first trip as German chancellor to stress European unity
Associated Press·9d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The new pairing of Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron — both firm believers in the European Union — could help stiffen resistance from the 27-nation bloc against pressure from Trump and against Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Friedrich Merz to Visit Warsaw and Paris in First Trip as German Chancellor to Stress European Unity
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Merz will now have to rally a potentially divided coalition behind his pro-growth economic agenda amid instability to the east, rising defense costs and the continent-wide challenge of managing migration and energy security.
Conservative Politician Secures Chancellorship After Historic Rejection Upends German Parliament
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The next government is expected to end months of paralysis and squabbling over government spending and economic policy that plagued outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition, and also add new impetus for growth with tax cuts and infrastructure spending.
Friedrich Merz wins on second ballot to become Germany’s chancellor
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Germany has not had a majority government since the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s SPD-led three-way coalition in November.
Friedrich Merz becomes Germany's chancellor after historic defeat in first round vote
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The morning of May 6th was meant to be a routine final stage in the choreography of the handover of power to Friedrich Merz as chancellor, with a vote of MPs in the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament.
Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s chancellor—after a painful defeat
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The new chancellor’s in-tray would include the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration’s confrontational trade policy, and domestic issues such as the rise of a far-right, anti-immigrant party.
Friedrich Merz wins on second ballot to become German chancellor
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Merz got there in the end but his coalition is fragile and, clearly, support is not solid even among the two governing parties.
What held up Friedrich Merz’s confirmation as chancellor and what’s next for Germany?
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Germany’s economy has shrunk for the past two years and is forecast by the outgoing government to see zero growth this year.
Friedrich Merz wins on second ballot to become Germany’s chancellor, hours after his historic defeat
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Experts say Merz’s failure to win backing for his chancellorship at the first attempt is an embarrassment for a figure who has promised to restore German leadership on the world stage.
Germany’s Merz elected chancellor in second round of voting
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Friedrich Merz secured parliamentary backing as Germany’s new chancellor only on the second attempt, paving the way for the conservative leader to take charge of Europe’s biggest economy but with considerably diminished authority.
Merz Confirmed as German Chancellor After Second Parliament Vote
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It’s safe to say then, that even before taking the reins of power, Merz has managed to squander much political goodwill towards him.
Merz’s failed bid to become chancellor plunges Germany into crisis
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What was supposed to be a shoo-in turned into a shock defeat for Merz, who became the first candidate since the establishment of the parliament at the end of World War II to garner the majority support needed.
Germany’s Merz Fails First Bid to Be Elected Chancellor in Historic First
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Merz’s loss marks a historic moment, as it is the first of its kind in post-war Germany.
German conservative's bid for chancellor falls short, a first in more than 75 years
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Mr. Merz’s defeat by six votes in what had been expected to be a smooth victory marks a historic first for Germany’s modern republic.
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The setback is a major embarrassment for the leader of the center-right Christian Democrats, less than three months after winning the most votes in Germany's federal election.
German lawmakers reject Friedrich Merz as chancellor in a stunning 1st round
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Summary
On May 6, 2025, Friedrich Merz was elected German chancellor, overcoming a historic first-round defeat. The DAX fell by over 2% following the initial vote. Merz's first act in office is a visit to Poland and France, aiming to strengthen European unity amid challenges from U.S. President Trump’s trade war and Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Merz and French President Macron, both EU supporters, seek to revitalize Franco-German relations, focusing on EU defense spending. His trips coincide with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany's surrender, highlighting deep historical ties as both nations work to ensure stability in Europe.
Perspectives
Friedrich Merz's unprecedented failure to win election as German chancellor in the first round of voting has raised doubts about his new government's ability to push through necessary reforms to revive Germany's struggling economy.
Despite eventual success in the second round, the initial vote revealed weaknesses in Merz's coalition, making it more challenging for him to mobilize support for critical investment and modernization initiatives.
His political credibility has taken a hit, complicating efforts to address urgent issues like infrastructure spending and defense modernization, particularly in a context of economic stagnation.
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