Friedrich Merz

Merz says Germany needs reform, defends democratic order after historic election defeat against AfD

"That is what we need to deliver on now; it is what I want to deliver on, and that is the stance I am taking into talks with our coalition partner," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a statement on the situation in the Middle East, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026
Far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party co-leader Alice Weidel attends a press conference the day after the Saxony-Anhalt state elections in Berlin, Germany September 7, 2026.

Far-right AfD's Weidel targets 40% in next German federal election after state victory

Top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Ulrich Siegmund, stands at the polling station after voting in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, in Tangermuende, Germany, September 6, 2026.

Germany’s far-right AfD wins historic 44% in Saxony-Anhalt election, exit polls show

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (2ndR), outgoing German Health Minister Nina Warken, outgoing parliamentary State Secretary in the Digital Ministry Philipp Amthor and outgoing Secretary General of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Carsten Linnemann (R), July 23, 2026.

Germany's Merz picks first woman chief of staff in shake-up before state elections


Israel and Germany's rekindled alliance presents a strategic opportunity - opinion

Over the decades, guilt, the driving force behind Germany’s attitude toward Israel, has been replaced by mutual interests and strategic partnership.

 Eyal Zamir is seen signing a many-billion-euro deal with Germany to provide Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, 2023 (as Defense Ministry director-general).

EU leaders agree on joint borrowing to fund Ukraine, set aside plan to use Russian frozen assets

The leaders also gave the European Commission a mandate to continue work on a so-called reparations loan based on Russian immobilized assets, but that option proved unworkable for now.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks with European Council President Antonio Costa as they attend a European Union leaders' summit in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025.

Germany sees reality: Why a Palestinian state is no longer realistic - opinion

After the October 7 massacre, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz now rejects the idea of a two-state solution.

 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during an industrial sector association BDI event in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2025.

'A just and lasting peace': Pope Leo calls for dialogue after meeting Ukraine's Zelensky

The pope's comments echo Zelensky's frequent demands for a "just" peace as the Ukrainian leader tries to ensure that any agreement to end Russia's war in Ukraine is balanced.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd during a meeting with bishpops, priests consacrated persons and personal workers at the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, northeast of the capital Beirut, on December 1, 2025.

Lufthansa Cargo imposes embargo on Israel‑bound military, security cargo

The company said that it was an internal decision by Lufthansa Cargo to impose an embargo on all military and security cargo

 Lufthansa cargo aircraft is pictured at Frankfurt airport, Germany, November 27, 2020

Merz visit highlights new strategic, and strained, Germany-Israel bond - analysis

Notably, Germany opposed various sanctions proposals in the EU. It is one of the few countries Israel can count on to at least abstain from one-sided UN General Assembly resolutions.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog (R) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) at the President's Residence in Jerusalem, December 6, 2025.

Merz visit to Israel shows bilateral relations remain strong, former amb. to Germany tells 'Post'

“Since 2008, when Angela Merkel visited Israel and spoke of Germany’s commitment to Israel’s security and survival, it has become not just about a commitment of Germany to Israel," but to both sides.

Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025.

Netanyahu ‘not leaving’ politics for pardon, PM says next to Germany’s Friedrich Merz

Netanyahu also praised the Israel–Germany cooperation in high-tech, AI, and quantum technologies.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025   Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen in a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025

Israel will not annex West Bank soon, Netanyahu assures Germany's Friedrich Merz

Friedrich Merz: Germany believes Israel should have conducted war differently • German chancellor explains imposing, removal of arms embargo

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz holds a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, December 7, 2025

Netanyahu trial: Court cancels Monday hearing due to ‘urgent diplomatic meeting’

As a result, Netanyahu is now set to testify only on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - a shortened schedule confirmed by the court.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the Knesset’s 40-signature debate, November 10, 2025.