Merz Confirmed Chancellor Amid Historic Vote, U.S. Tensions

Friedrich Merz has been confirmed as Germany’s new chancellor after an unprecedented initial defeat in the Bundestag, securing victory in a second vote later the same day. His CDU/CSU and SPD coalition faces questions about stability following the historic setback and exposed internal divisions. The far-right AfD, newly designated as an extremist party and fresh from its best-ever electoral result, called for Merz's resignation and new elections after his initial loss. Merz, succeeding Olaf Scholz, has rebuffed U.S. criticism of the AfD and labeled American commentary as 'absurd,' escalating diplomatic tensions with Washington. Some U.S. politicians have shown support for the AfD, further complicating relations. Merz is expected to address these issues with President Trump in an upcoming call and at the NATO summit in June.