Friedrich Merz becomes Germany's chancellor after historic defeat in first round vote

Alice WeidelafD co-leader

Merz should step aside and the way should be cleared for a general election,

AfD co-leader Alice Weidel told reporters

That is why we know that it is our historic obligation to lead this coalition to success,

he said, noting that

This is what distinguishes him: He has always remained closely connected to his homeland and knows where he comes from,

said Niklas Frigger, the deputy mayor of Brilon, who is from Mr. Merz’s party

John P. Schmitzgovernment; Washington lobbyist

I think he’s extremely well prepared and very deep and thoughtful,

said John P. Schmitz, a deputy White House counsel under George H.W. Bush

Ruprecht Polenzmember of parliament

There’s this old saying: ‘Whatever you do, act wisely and consider the end,

said Ruprecht Polenz, a former secretary general of Mr. Merz’s party

Do you seriously believe that an American government will agree to continue NATO as before?”

he asked lawmakers in March

Friedrich Merzpolitician

In my opinion, this was not a spontaneous reaction to Zelensky’s statements, but rather an intentional escalation of tensions during the meeting in the Oval Office,

Mr. Merz said at the time

Ruprecht Polenzmember of parliament

I believe that he truly understands how the global situation has changed and what is changing in the U.S.,

said Mr. Polenz, the former secretary general of Mr. Merz’s party

My height alone is, of course, a potential target for such prejudices,

he said

Karl-Rudolf Kortepolitical scientist

These are times of dwindling certainty, not only as far as important political decisions are concerned, but also with regard to majorities,

political scientist, Karl-Rudolf Korte, told German public television