Friedrich Merz Unveils Cabinet for Germany's New Coalition Government

The future chancellor has appointed Johann Wadephul, a fervent supporter of Ukraine, as head of German diplomacy. The defence portfolio should return to his current social-democratic holder, Boris Pistorius, who is also in favour of Kiev?

Friedrich Merz and Markus Söder present the Federal Ministers of a black and red federal government from the ranks of CDU and CSU. They get that much salary.

If the Christian Democrats of the CDU of the future Chancellor Merz and the CSU have approved their participation in the future government, the Social Democrats of the SPD will render their verdict on Wednesday. In case of a favourable vote, Germany will have a new government on 6 May next. ...

Friedrich Merz also appealed to his fellow citizens to continue to support Ukraine in the face of the Russian war, saying that peace and freedom in Germany itself are also at stake.

Germany's next foreign minister may be less prominent than his predecessors. In return, Europe's largest country may be more likely to speak with one voice.

On Eurofighters, Turkey hedges bets as it awaits Merz's decision in Germany

With the government of the incoming chancellor poised to decide the fate of the deal, analysts debate whether it will survive and suggest possible alternatives.