FirstFT: Germany’s Friedrich Merz pledges ‘independence from US’

Also in today’s newsletter, staff revolt at FTI and Apple’s DEI and OpenAI initiatives under fire

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Germany’s election winner pledges ‘independence from US’

Friedrich Merz says the Trump administration is ‘largely indifferent’ to Europe’s fate
Financial Times - 6h
Who is Friedrich Merz, the favorite to become Germany's new chancellor?

Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany's chancellor in a CDU-led government, has extensive experience as a lawyer and working with major corporations.
CNBC - 3d
Who Is Friedrich Merz, the Man Poised to Be Germany’s Next Chancellor?

Friedrich Merz, head of the conservative Christian Democrats, has vowed to bring stronger leadership to Europe, where the new Trump administration has sowed anxiety.
The New York Times - 8h
Germany’s Merz says Europe can no longer rely on US protection

Frontrunner for chancellor suggests possible nuclear co-operation with the UK and France
Financial Times - 2d
Who is Friedrich Merz and what’s in his in-tray?

Former banker almost certain to be Germany’s next chancellor faces testing domestic political and economic landscape – and then there’s Donald Trump. German election – latest updates Friedrich ...
The Guardian - 19h
Cometh the hour, cometh eventually Friedrich Merz

Expectations of Germany’s next chancellor are already sky-high but coalition talks will be tough
Financial Times - 14h
German election as it happened: Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor

Christian Democrats secure under 30 per cent of vote, while far-right AfD comes in historic second place
Financial Times - 21h
German Election 2025: Friedrich Merz Appears Poised to Be Next Chancellor

The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.
The New York Times - 7h
Friedrich Merz: Risk-taker who flirted with far right

The leader of the Christian Democratic Union is now in pole position to become Germany's next chancellor.
BBC News - 3h

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