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, a conservative rival of Angela Merkel, is on track to become the next chancellor, though the far-right AfD is expected to make historic gains.

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.

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.”

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.

Who do I call if I want to speak to Europe? The question was famously attributed to former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and refers to the historical inability of the political entity of Europe to coordinate on

Its economic model is broken, its self-confidence shattered and its political landscape fractured. Europe’s former growth engine

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,

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.