Coalition will get nation ‘back on track’

Germany’s next leader, the conservative Friedrich Merz, vowed Wednesday to “move the country forward again” by boosting the economy and defence as he presented a deal to launch his coalition government by early next month.

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Mr Merzis set to take over as leader of Europe's top economy just as US President Donald Trump has sparked global trade turmoil and raised deep fears about future transatlantic security ties.

Asked ata press conference ifhe had amessage for Mr Trump, Mr Merz said in English that the country would meet its defence obligations and rebuild its economic competitiveness.

“Germany is back on track,’ he added.

Following the February election victory of his CDU/CSU alliance, Mr Merz quickly struck a deal to forge a new government with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) of the now caretaker Chancellor Olaf Scholz.