Germany's election winner Friedrich Merz wants to form a government quickly in order to revive a moribund economy, hike defence spending and tackle diplomatic challenges ranging from a confrontational Trump administration to ending the Ukraine war.

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Christian Democratic Union party (CDU), has emerged as the winner of Germany’s elections.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the presumptive next chancellor, has won his constituency in Sunday's parliamentary election, while a number of political heavyweights suffered humiliating defeats.

Merz expressed concern over changing relations with Washington under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for gradual independence from the U.S.

After an election dominated by immigration and economic issues, Germany’s likely new chancellor is Friedrich Merz, the leader of the conservative Christian Democrats. His party finished first with just under 29 percent of the vote and will need to form a coalition government.