Mr Merz argued the need “to negotiate with the American side from a position of strength”. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative frontrunner to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz after Germany's upcoming elections, is calling on the European Union to present a united front in response to US President-elect Donald Trump.

Germany's election frontrunner says Europeans are waiting for Germany to take the lead on dealing with the new American president.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, who is seen as the frontrunner to become the country's next chancellor, said that Donald Trump's second term will provide more clarity for the European Union.

Ein starkes und einiges Europa - das wünscht sich CDU-Chef Merz. Ausgerechnet der Antritt von US-Präsident Trump könne Europas Stellung in der Welt stärken, so Merz. Auch Ex-Kanzlerin Merkel sieht dar

German conservative candidate for chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz reacts during the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21,

Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for the chancellery in Germany's upcoming election, said a leaked briefing by Germany's ambassador to the United States heavily criticising Donald Trump was damaging to the German government's reputation.