Germany: Merz elected Chancellor in the second round (Upd.)
With 325 Yes votes, 289 No votes, and one abstention
Stricter immigration policy, stronger defense, and counterproposals to Trump’s tariffs promised by Merz
The CDU and SPD have a "common duty" to prevent further success of the AfD, says Merz – "Germany is not involved in the war and does not intend to get involved, but it is not remaining passive," he said about Ukraine
Germany requests exemption from EU borrowing limits to boost defense spending
Germany’s request may encourage other countries to follow the same path, Reuters reports