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Trump opens Scottish golf course and vows 'peaceful world'
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Cambodia-Thailand truce broadly holds despite shaky start
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P&G estimates $1 bn tariff hit, plans some US price hikes
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Wiebes claims Tour de France stage as Vos holds lead
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Mbeumo looks forward to Fernandes link-up at Man Utd
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Displaced Cambodians return home after Thailand truce
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Tens of thousands in Rome for Vatican's Jubilee of Youth
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Pogacar to skip Vuelta after Tour de France triumph
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New York mass shooter blamed NFL for his brain injuries
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Impressive Scandinavia delivers O'Brien Goodwood Cup 1-2
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US to overturn foundational climate ruling on Tuesday
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Russia strikes kill 25 in Ukraine as Kremlin notes new Trump deadline
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Boeing reports smaller loss, sees more 'stability' in operations
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Jeep owner Stellantis says has turned corner on sales
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India coach Gambhir clashes with Oval staff ahead of final Test
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Netherlands bars two hardline Israeli ministers
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IMF lifts 2025 growth forecast on 'fragile' easing in trade tensions
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Portugal's Joao Felix joins Ronaldo at Al Nassr in Saudi
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Ledecky wins 22nd world title as Popovici savours 'scary' gold
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Stock markets rise as attention shifts from trade deals to company results
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'Nervous' McKeown beats rival Smith for more backstroke gold
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Fossil-fuel pledge in EU-Trump deal sparks climate fears
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Novo Nordisk cuts earning forecasts again, names new CEO
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Popovici says came close to going home before winning world gold
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LA wildfires push insurance losses to highest since 2011: Munich Re
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Spotify sees 12% rise in paid subscribers
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England's Lionesses party in London after Euro 2025 triumph
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European pharma industry still worried about tariffs
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Ageless Ledecky wins 1,500m freestyle for 22nd world gold
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Russia kills 25 in Ukraine, as Kremlin says 'committed' to peace
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French health experts speak out against bee-killing pesticide
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'Better than Olympics' as Popovici wins world 200m free gold
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European stocks rally with eyes on earnings, trade deal
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Former Olympic champion Dujardin makes dressage comeback after whipping ban
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Gaza famine warning as Israel resists ceasefire calls
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UK's Birmingham to bid final farewell to hometown hero Ozzy Osbourne
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Spurs boss Frank relishing 'more than a friendly' against Arsenal
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Champions China drawn with North Korea at 2026 Women's Asian Cup
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Chinese, US officials meet for 2nd day of trade talks in Stockholm
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Barclays bank profit jumps on US tariffs volatility
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Philips chops back US tariff bill
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Violent videos draw more French teens into 'terror' plots, say prosecutors
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'Once in a hundred years': villagers clean up after deadly China floods
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World Rugby boss disappointed in Schmidt questioning player safety push
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Gunmen involved in Indian Kashmir tourist attack killed: minister
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World Rugby promise a 'bigger, bolder, more accessible' 2027 World Cup
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Dubai airport logs record travellers in first half
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Jeep owner Stellantis says has turned corner
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Next Chancellor of Germany and Trump
A new german Leader with a clear Vision?
Merz’s victory, securing approximately 28.5% of the vote for the CDU/CSU alliance, marks a return to conservative leadership following years of coalition governance under Angela Merkel and, more recently, Olaf Scholz. With the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) gaining 20% and the SPD trailing at 16.5%, Merz faces the task of uniting a fragmented Bundestag. Preliminary estimates suggest the CDU/CSU will hold around 179 seats, necessitating a partnership with the SPD (104 seats) and possibly the Greens (73 seats) to achieve the 316-seat majority required.
The chancellor-in-waiting has wasted no time in outlining his priorities. While congratulating Trump on his inauguration on 20 January 2025 with a handwritten letter—a gesture of diplomatic courtesy—Merz has made it clear that he will not shy away from challenging the American president where their views diverge.
The Ukraine Flashpoint:
At the heart of this anticipated confrontation lies Ukraine. Merz has been an outspoken advocate for robust European support for Kyiv, a position he underscored during a visit to President Volodymyr Zelensky in May 2022. His criticism of Trump’s rhetoric, which he has described as echoing Russian narratives, reveals a stark divide. In a recent interview Merz expressed dismay at Trump’s apparent indifference to European security concerns, labelling it a “classic case of blaming the victim.” This stance contrasts sharply with Trump’s reported inclination to pursue rapprochement with Russia, a policy that has alarmed many in Europe.
Merz’s commitment to Ukraine is not merely rhetorical. He has pledged to bolster Germany’s defence spending and has floated the idea of a new European defence alliance, potentially as an alternative to NATO, should transatlantic cooperation falter under Trump’s leadership. Such proposals reflect a broader ambition to enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy—a move that could strain relations with Washington.
Balancing Confrontation with Cooperation:
Despite his readiness to challenge Trump, Merz is not advocating for a complete rupture. In an interview last November, he emphasised the importance of “deals” with the United States, particularly in trade and economic matters, that could benefit both sides. This pragmatic streak suggests that while Merz may clash with Trump over security policy, he seeks to maintain a functional relationship in other domains. Germany, as Europe’s economic powerhouse, cannot afford to alienate its largest transatlantic partner entirely.
Implications for Transatlantic Ties:
Merz’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment. Trump’s return to the White House has rekindled debates about the reliability of American commitments to Europe, especially within NATO. By positioning Germany as a counterweight to Trump’s policies, Merz could catalyse a shift towards a more assertive European Union—one less dependent on U.S. direction. His plans to increase defence collaboration among EU nations signal a long-term vision that may outlast transatlantic spats.
Yet, this approach carries risks. A public confrontation with Trump could exacerbate divisions within NATO and embolden critics of European unity, such as the AfD, which has capitalised on anti-establishment sentiment. Merz must navigate these domestic and international pressures with care.
Conclusion:
As Friedrich Merz prepares to assume the chancellorship, his intention to confront Donald Trump over Ukraine heralds a new chapter in German foreign policy. Rooted in a commitment to European security and independence, his stance promises to test the resilience of transatlantic relations. Whether this leads to a lasting realignment or a pragmatic compromise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Germany’s next chancellor is poised to make his mark on the world stage.

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