He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The 69-year-old CDU candidate is set to become chancellor at a time when Germany is going through a deep economic, security and identity crisis.

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.

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

By Kirsti Knolle and Madeline Chambers BERLIN (Reuters) -German conservatives under Friedrich Merz vowed on Monday to quickly form a government after winning a national election but face tricky coalition talks and the prospect of an obstructive parliament after far-right and far-left parties surged.