Friedrich Merz secured the top job but only after losing on his first attempt, a surprise that potentially weakens his government at a fraught time for Germany and Europe
Newly-elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, during a handover ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin on Tuesday.
Supporters of Mr. Merz, a former corporate lawyer, say he is well-prepared and thoughtful, but critics accuse him of failing to think more than one step ahead and breaking promises.
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