Friedrich Merz is on course to become the post-World War II Germany's 10th chancellor, the culmination of a yearslong political career that was once sidelined by his party’s iconic leader. The 69-year-old head of the center-right Union bloc,

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.