Friedrich Merz

Merz says Germany needs reform, defends democratic order after historic election defeat against AfD

"That is what we need to deliver on now; it is what I want to deliver on, and that is the stance I am taking into talks with our coalition partner," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a statement on the situation in the Middle East, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026
Far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party co-leader Alice Weidel attends a press conference the day after the Saxony-Anhalt state elections in Berlin, Germany September 7, 2026.

Far-right AfD's Weidel targets 40% in next German federal election after state victory

Top candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), Ulrich Siegmund, stands at the polling station after voting in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, in Tangermuende, Germany, September 6, 2026.

Germany’s far-right AfD wins historic 44% in Saxony-Anhalt election, exit polls show

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (2ndR), outgoing German Health Minister Nina Warken, outgoing parliamentary State Secretary in the Digital Ministry Philipp Amthor and outgoing Secretary General of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Carsten Linnemann (R), July 23, 2026.

Germany's Merz picks first woman chief of staff in shake-up before state elections


Trump's war in Iran has many explanations, but few answers - opinion

From nuclear threats to regime change, Trump’s reasons for war keep shifting, leaving allies and voters confused.

US President Donald Trump talks to the media upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, March 11, 2026.

Germany's Merz declares commitment to Israel after pro-Palestinian heckles him at political rally

"The federal government I lead will never leave any doubt about where we stand," Merz announced to the crowd. "We stand with Israel."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a statement on the situation in the Middle East, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026

Roaring Lion: From Berlin to London, Europe stands by Israel in war with Iran - opinion

Europe pressures Israel on peace, yet consistently defends its security when existential threats emerge, showing solidarity across decades.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a statement on the situation in the Middle East, after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026.

Hezbollah tensions rise, Trump meets with Merz

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

IDF illustration of Iran's potential regional reach.

Donald Trump, Germany's Merz to meet in Washington as Iran war ramps up

Merz will be the first European leader to meet Trump since the start of the operation, which has blocked one of the world's key oil shipping lanes and thrown global air transport into chaos.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a statement on the situation in the Middle East, at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 1, 2026

Merz's CDU party unanimously adopts motion to end UNRWA funding, create rules for payments to PA

At the CDU congress, Merz's party approved a motion to freeze aid to the Palestinian Authority until reforms are made, end EU/German subsidies to UNRWA, and ensure antisemitism compliance.

Chancellor Merz greets Merkel at CDU federal congress in Stuttgart, Feb 20, 2026.

Currently no plans to buy additional F-35 jets, Berlin says

"There are no plans, and there is no decision," the government spokesperson said.

Unveiling of the new F-35 during a rollout ceremony of F-35 fighter jets ordered by Finland at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, US December 16, 2025.

Iran rejects call to halt uranium enrichment after second round of indirect US negotiations in Oman

An Iranian official told Reuters the direct talks had not officially started, and that Iran’s demands had been conveyed to the US via Oman.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (L) meets with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi for indirect nuclear talks with the US in Muscat, Oman, February 6, 2026.

Erdogan, Sharaa discuss Syria as SDF confirms withdrawal following ceasefire

Turkey’s President Erdogan spoke with Syrian President Sharaa after a deal with Kurdish forces, as SDF leader Mazloum Abdi confirmed a military withdrawal, and plans to visit Damascus.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrive for a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025.

Germany’s Merz: I believe we are witnessing final days, weeks of Iran’s regime

“If a regime can only cling to power through violence, then it's effectively over anyway,” Merz said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Bosch's facility in Bengaluru, India January 13, 2026.