Europe must seek to “achieve independence” from the United States, Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said after his opposition conservatives won elections on Sunday, in a vote that also saw surging support for the far-right.

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

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz aims to form a government after winning the national election but faces tough coalition talks and opposition from the far-right AfD and Left Party.