The Latest Breaking News from Friedrich Merz

The coalition parties most likely to form the new German government have intensified talks.

Far right party doubles its number of seats, while chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, hopes to form government before Easter

US President Donald Trump’s pivot toward Russia amid its war in Ukraine has collided with the stance of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has always shown unwavering support for Kyiv as well as loyalty to Washington. When Trump came to power, Meloni wanted to appear connected to his…

The package, which will allow for a large increase in military expenditure, passed through the Bundesrat despite objections from several smaller parties.

The prospective next German government’s plans to enable higher defense spending by loosening strict debt rules and to set up a huge infrastructure fund that’s aimed at boosting Europe’s biggest economy have cleared their final parliamentary hurdle with approval by the upper house

A historic vote to boost spending on defence and infrastructure shows the country is shedding its excess of caution – and its complacency, says author John Kampfner

Barely a month ago, a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin sent an unmistakable message across the Atlantic: the United States may not be there forever to keep Europe safe from an aggressive Russia.

Britain, France and Germany are closing ranks to bolster Nato as the unreliable US president marches to his own drum, says Guardian columnist Martin Kettle

Editorial: A groundbreaking vote by outgoing MPs has given the chancellor-elect, Friedrich Merz, the chance to renew mainstream politics

German voters have had their say

Germany has passed a landmark spending bill, unlocking hundreds of billions of euros for defence spending and infrastructure investment. While the historic debt reform is expected to boost Europe’s largest economy, there are further implications for its stock and bond markets.