German election live: Merz says priority is to make Europe independent from US on defence as coalition talks to begin

<p>Donald Trump has made it clear he is ‘fairly indifferent to Europe’s fate’, says CDU leader who plans to form a coalition by Easter</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/23/conservatives-poised-to-win-german-election-but-far-right-afd-doubles-support">Conservatives win German election but far-right AfD doubles support</a></strong></li></ul><p>Germany has long been seen as the <a href="https://dgap.org/en/events/i-fear-german-power-less-german-inaction">EU’s “indispensable nation”</a> – the biggest, richest and most consequential power. But in recent years Berlin has widely been regarded as missing in action in the EU, hobbled by internecine feuding in a coalition government that has caused <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/mar/24/germany-facing-eu-backlash-over-u-turn-on-phasing-out-combustion-engine">flip-flops and delayed decisions</a>.</p><p>Olaf Scholz has a cool relationship with Emmanuel Macron, slowing down the fabled <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/15/why-the-franco-german-engine-that-powered-the-eu-is-now-almost-kaput">Franco-German motor that powers the EU</a>. The Polish-German relationship has also been rocky, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/30/donald-tusk-polish-revival-masks-deeper-divisions-with-german-neighbours">strained by disputes over European air defence</a> and historical grievances.</p><p><em>I look forward to working with the new government to deepen our already strong relationship, enhance our joint security and deliver growth for both our countries.</em></p><p><em>We are more determined than ever to achieve great things together for France and Germany and work towards a strong and sovereign Europe. In this time of uncertainty, we are united to face the major challenges of the world and our continent.</em></p><p>Europe must be able to defend itself, develop its industries, and achieve the necessary results. Europe needs shared successes, and those success will bring even greater unity to Europe.”</p><p>Much like the USA, the people of Germany got tired of the no-common-sense agenda, especially on energy and immigration ... This is a great day for Germany and for the United States of America under the leadership of a gentleman names Donald J Trump.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/24/german-election-live-results-updates-2025-cdu-afd-widel">Continue reading...</a>