Coalition deal in Germany clears way for Friedrich Merz to become chancellor

Let's begin in Germany where Friedrich Merz is set to become the next chancellor?

That's right. With the conservative CDU/CSU alliance and the center-left SPD reaching a coalition agreement, Merz will be inaugurated as the new chancellor next month.

On Wednesday local time, leaders from Germany's Christian Democratic Union, its sister party the Christian Social Union, and the Social Democratic Party announced a coalition deal.

This follows the federal elections held on February 23, where the CDU and CSU emerged as the leading force without an outright majority.

The coalition's policy framework, titled "Responsibility for Germany," outlines key initiatives, including economic measures, fiscal policy, defense, and foreign policy.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the CDU, is poised to become the next Chancellor, pending formal approval processes within the involved parties.