Friedrich Merz wins election to become Germany's next Chancellor

Friedrich Merz has won the election and is set to become Germany's next Chancellor. His Christian Democrats secured a victory amid economic challenges, an immigration crisis, and rising support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party. Merz aims to strengthen Europe’s independence from the U.S. and plans to increase Germany's defense budget. He may need to reform public debt limits to achieve military spending targets, which could face resistance from the center-left Social Democrats. The outgoing Chancellor's party suffered a significant defeat, leaving them in a junior role. The far-right AfD, having gained support, is poised to challenge the new government as it navigates potential crises.