Germany, Friedrich Merz and Olaf Scholz

Merz claims win for German conservatives as far right surges to strongest postwar election result
Germany’s center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is set to return to power with the far-right Alternative for Germany as second-largest party, exit polls show, after snap elections dominated by concerns over immigration,
Germany elections: Far-right Friedrich Merz wins, Olaf Scholz says 'bear responsibility for SPD's defeat' | 10 points
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%.
Merz Says Scholz Will Need Miracle to Defeat Him in German Vote
Conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz suggested he’s a shoo-in to win Germany’s election on Sunday, telling Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Scholz to his face that he’ll need a miracle to pull off a comeback victory.
Meet Friedrich Merz, Christian Democratic Union frontrunner set to be next Chancellor of Germany as Olaf Scholz concedes poll defeat
The election results mark a turning point in German politics. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's center-left Social Democrats (SPD) suffered a heavy defeat, recording their worst result in postwar history
Germany Elections: Scholz, Merz, Habeck, Weidel vie for leadership in high-stakes battle after coalition collapse
Germany votes in a national election following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz leads the race, while far-right AfD eyes historic gains. Over 500,
Germany Election: Chancellor Scholz's SPD concedes defeat | What’s next for winner Friedrich Merz?
Chancellor Scholz concedes defeat. The SPD conceded defeat, with Scholz calling the result “bitter.” Speaking to his supporters, Scholz said “It’s a bad result and that’
Merz likely to be next German leader after Scholz concedes election loss
Friedrich Merz is likely to become Germany’s next leader after his conservative party topped the voting in national elections held Sunday, according to exit polls. Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceded defeat.
Merz promises end to Scholz government as Germany set for election
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz jubilantly promised the end of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's administration as a heated election campaign came to a close on Saturday. "There are just under 26 hours to go,
Germany's Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz hold rallies in final days ahead of federal election
Election posters showing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and CDU top candidate for chancellor Friedrich Merz in Frankfurt, Germany, Feb. 8, 2025
Friedrich Merz, a Conservative, Is Poised to Be Germany’s Next Chancellor
The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to ...
Germany's Merz questions the longevity of NATO's 'current form'
Germany's likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned on Sunday whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June ...
Who is Friedrich Merz? Meet the conservative leader taking the reins of the German chancellery
Merz, a man who has never held a government role, is preparing to take the reins in Germany just as the country faces ...
The Latest: Merz wins Germany’s election while AfD makes historic gains
German voters are heading to the polls Sunday for a national election. The race pits the incumbent chancellor against the ...
Merz’s victory opens new era of German uncertainty
Friedrich Merz will be the next chancellor of Germany. And he still can’t tell what his government program will be. His ...
Friedrich Merz, a Conservative, Appears Poised to Be Germany’s Next Chancellor
Whether he can form a strong coalition remains to be seen, but whatever he does will be an essential part of Europe’s ...
German Election Live Updates: Chancellor Olaf Scholz, frontrunner Friedrich Merz cast votes
This important election has galvanised voters, and campaigning resumed on Saturday evening with a final discussion on ...
Germany's front-runner Merz: Risk-taker who flirted with far right
Friedrich Merz is a familiar face of his conservative party's old guard. Politically, he has never come across as ...