Frontrunner for chancellor expresses doubts over US Nato commitments, with the far-right AfD set for its best result

As the war enters its fourth year, the U.S. is no longer aligned with the Ukrainian cause or with its NATO allies, and European leaders are bracing for a post-U.S. alliance. Driving the news: Friedrich Merz,

Europe will need to defend itself and can no longer rely on the US, says man likely to become next German chancellor

Such talks often drag on for weeks if not months in Germany, but Merz is in a hurry to reach a deal with Europe's biggest economy facing economic malaise and an upheaval in relations with the U.S.

Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian ... as Merz is a fierce defender of Europe and NATO. Meanwhile, Merz faces rising pressure on his right: Alternative for Germany (AfD ...

The likely next chancellor is unpopular, and his country’s economy has stalled. But his penchant for risks could help lead to a European showdown with President Trump.

Merz aims to shift Europe away from US dependence, but rising far-right pressure and geopolitical tensions could complicate his path.

Friedrich Merz, who has been declared winner in Germany’s elections, has a long to-do list to fulfil his promise of building a ‘Germany we can be proud of again’. From securing its borders to strengthening its weakening economy,

Germany’s mainstream conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won the country’s national election, ensuring that Ukraine has an even stronger supporter in the European Union’s largest country and