Merz had been working to project strength and purpose but instead became mired in political intrigue and division.

BERLIN (AP) — Conservative leader Friedrich Merz succeeded Tuesday in becoming Germany’s next chancellor, drawing applause ...

Merz scored an absolute majority of 325 against 289 in the second secret vote in the lower house of parliament ...

Friedrich Merz clinches German chancellorship in a second-round vote, overcoming a historic first-ballot setback.