EXCLUSIVE: As Germany is set to get a new chancellor, an acclaimed documentary examines the leadership and legacy of a previous chancellor – Angela Merkel. The former head of the Christian Democratic Union,

Friedrich Merz, head of the conservative Christian Democrats, has vowed to bring stronger leadership to Europe, where the new Trump administration has sowed anxiety.

Trump hailed the result as a "GREAT DAY FOR GERMANY," while the far-right AfD party that Elon Musk has championed made historic gains.

Friedrich Merz, who is poised to become Germany’s chancellor in a CDU-led government, has extensive experience as a lawyer and working with major corporations.

German nationals are heading to the ballots on February 23, with the country's current Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, down in opinion polls. The leader's centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) are trailing in third place, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead of his party in second.

The 69-year-old CDU candidate is set to become chancellor at a time when Germany is going through a deep economic, security and identity crisis.

Friedrich Merz — the leader of the victorious Christian Democratic Union-Christian Social Union alliance — is a U.S.-loving former lawyer but he may clash with President Donald Trump, as Merz is a fierce defender of Europe and NATO.

He has vowed to prioritize European unity and the continent’s security as it grapples with the new Trump administration and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The 69-year-old CDU leader Friedrich Merz is a major favourite for the German chancellorship after Sunday's snap election. View on euronews

Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has triumphed at Germany’s ballot boxes, paving his way to become the next chancellor. His win is of particular significance to Europe — the leader has vowed to strengthen the EU,

Friedrich Merz has emerged victorious in a general election which saw dramatic changes in German politics – but given that his party is responsible for many of the country’s problems, a radical about turn looks unlikely,

Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has congratulated conservative leader Friedrich Merz on his victory in Sunday's parliamentary election. A spokeswoman for Merkel told the Funke media group on Monday that she texted Merz to offer her congratulations and wish him good luck in building a coalition.