World, meet Merz
12 May 2025
Friedrich Merz's first day as German chancellor began – not in Germany – but by visiting France and Poland. Merz wants to "repair" ties and assert Germany's leadership of Europe. But how firm is his footing?
Merz's claim to leadership is shaken by a blundering start to his chancellorship at home. For the first time in German history, it took two rounds to vote him in, suggesting that more than a dozen of his coalition members snubbed him in the first ballot. Embarrassment will have to wait – the foreign policy challenges facing the new government won't.
A new chapter in relations with Germany's European neighbours could get off to a rocky start: Merz's unilateral plans for tougher border controls and refoulement of refugees are ill-received in Warsaw.
Paris and Berlin have their own share of differences. They're at odds over relations with Israel; Merz invited Netanyahu to Germany despite the ICC arrest warrant against him, while France is floating recognition of the Palestinian state. France also pushes for joint EU defence spending, while Germany prefers national control and a NATO-led approach.
While Merz declares a hard line on Russia and promises increased support to Ukraine, his coalition is divided on arms deliveries and participation in peacekeeping. Still, Merz's biggest test may be Germany's relationship with the US.
A lifelong transatlanticist disillusioned with Trump's policies, he has publicly distanced himself from the US president. At the same time, Merz keeps seeking access and reconciliation, particularly regarding trade – a delicate line to walk.
 | Toyah Höher Behind the big talk and handshakes, Germany's influence abroad depends largely on coherence at home – and the cracks are already showing. Merz wants to lead. Whether Europe and the world want to follow is another matter. |
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