Germany's opposition leader says his party will bring motions to toughen migration policy to parliament next week in one of its last sessions before the country's election.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become the next chancellor, said on Thursday he wanted to win back the lost trust of key allies and ensure Berlin is more assertive on the global stage in a speech laying out his foreign policy plans.

The incumbent government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat (SPD), has styled itself as a champion of the rules-based international order and, in the case of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, of an ethical, feminist foreign policy.

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 outlines plans to restore trust with key allies and enhance Germany's assertiveness globally. His vision includes better coordination of national security and reforming Europe's military procurement.

Ukraine must win the war against Russia, regain lost territory and be free to join military alliances, Friedrich Merz, favourite to become Germany's next chancellor, said Thursday.

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.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's opposition leader, views a second Trump presidency as a chance for EU unity. As he seeks to become Germany's chancellor, Merz emphasizes Europe's need for collective strength and sees potential in Trump's predictable policies for EU-U.

Conservative frontrunner to be country’s next chancellor aims to submit tough migration proposals to MPs next week

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the CDU and candidate for German Chancellor, has announced plans to repair relations with Poland and France if he wins the upcoming election. During an event in Berlin organised by The Koerber Foundation,

BERLIN - Ukraine must win the war against Russia, regain lost territory and be free to join military alliances, Mr Friedrich Merz - favourite to become Germany’s next chancellor - said on Jan 23. Mr Merz said he wants peace in Ukraine but not “at the price of submission to an imperialist power” and stressed that “Ukraine must win the war”.