1 month ago
Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 07:29 IST
Merz's Conservative alliance secured the highest votes in a high-stakes German elections held on Sunday, bringing him into the pole position of becoming the next Chancellor.
Friedrich Merz sharply criticised the Trump administration amid tensions over the Ukraine war and US-Europe tensions. (Reuters)
Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germany’s conservative CDU-CSU alliance, said Europe must boost its own defence capabilities as tensions grow between the United States and European leaders over the Ukraine conflict and NATO funding.
Merz’s remarks came after his conservative alliance was projected as the winner in the high-stakes German elections held on Sunday, polling between 28.5 and 29% of votes, as per exit polls. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came second with 19.5 to 20% votes.
“My absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we can achieve, step by step, real independence from the US," said Merz, who is likely to replace Olaf Scholz as the next German Chancellor, in sharp criticism of the Trump administration.
“After Donald Trump’s statements in the last week it is clear that the Americans – at least this administration – are largely indifferent to the fate of Europe," Merz said in a TV debate with other top candidates after the exit poll results.
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Location :Berlin, Germany
First Published:February 24, 2025, 07:29 IST
News world Friedrich Merz, Set To Be Next German Chancellor, Wants To Achieve 'Real Independence' From US
