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Spain's political class spars over chaotic Vuelta finale
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Top four into Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals as France edge Ireland
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Two ships set sail from Greece to join Gaza aid flotilla
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Amorim won't change despite 'suffering' in dismal Man Utd run
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Australia stunned by Belgium, joining USA on Davis Cup scrapheap
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Spinners power India to win over Pakistan in Asia Cup
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Bolsonaro conviction 'not a witch hunt,' Lula tells Trump in NYT op-ed
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'Demon Slayer' tops N.America box office with record anime opening
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Tens of thousands join Ankara protest ahead of court showdown
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Haaland-inspired Man City inflict derby demolition on Man Utd
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Vuelta triumph caps Vingegaard's fight back from the brink
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French runner Gressier thanks anti-doping body for his world title
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Romania summons Russian ambassador over drone 'threat'
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'Palestine wins the Vuelta': Gaza demo halts cycling finale in Madrid
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Vuelta final stage abandoned due to pro-Palestinian protest, Vingegaard crowned
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PSG maintain perfect start to Ligue 1, Ethan Mbappe strikes late for Lille
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Alleged Kirk killer had 'leftist' beliefs, Utah governor says
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Shakespeare family tragedy 'Hamnet' wins top Toronto film prize
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Record-breaking England crush Scotland to reach Women's Rugby World Cup semi-finals
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Noren upstages Ryder Cup stars to win PGA Championship at Wentworth
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Lookman to miss Atalanta's Champions League opener at PSG, says Juric
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Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica's sprint warrior queen
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Vuelta final stage abandoned amid huge pro-Palestinian protest
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India limit Pakistan to 127-9 in key Asia Cup T20 clash
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Ethan Mbappe strikes late to give Lille win over Toulouse
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Fans set aside boycott calls to watch India-Pakistan cricket clash
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Rain denies England and South Africa a series decider
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Seville and Jefferson-Wooden enjoy maiden world titles, US savour field of gold
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Itoje to rehab with England as Farrell omitted from training squad
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Marc Marquez rolls out Messi-inspired celebration as seventh MotoGP title looms
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Seville delighted to win world 100m title in front of Bolt
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Seville sparks Jamaican men's sprint renaissance
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Starmer says UK won't tolerate racial intimidation after far-right rally
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New round of US-China trade talks kicks off in Madrid
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France edge Ireland in Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final thriller
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Seville wins Tokyo 100m for first Jamaican men's sprint title in 10 years
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Marc Marquez nears seventh MotoGP title after San Marino triumph
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Jefferson-Wooden surges to women's 100 metres world title
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Former boxing world champion Hatton dies at 46
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Seville wins Tokyo 100m for first Jamaican sprint title in 10 years
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France's Gressier shocks field to win world 10,000m gold
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Marc Marquez nears seventh MotoGP title after San Marino win
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'Smart' Inoue beats Akhmadaliev by unanimous decision
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Isak not in Liverpool squad for Burnley game
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Badminton star Li leads all-China sweep at Hong Kong Open
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Lyles leads Thompson and Tebogo into world 100m final
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Defending champion Richardson struggles into 100m world final
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Former boxing world champion Hatton dead at 46: Press Association
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Spain PM 'proud' of pro-Palestinian protests at Vuelta
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McLaughlin-Levrone sails through 400m heats at world championships
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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