Frank Zeller

Stay informed with Frank Zeller’s coverage and analysis for Fortune.

Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz duirng the German federal election evenig at CDU headquarters in Berlin, Germany on February 23, 2025. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Fresh from German electoral victory, Friedrich Merz says Europe must build up its own defenses—’the world isn’t waiting for us’

By Frank Zeller and AFP

MUNICH, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 22: Alexander Dobrind (L), chairman of the CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag and Friedrich Merz, CDU/CSU chancellor candidate and leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU) clap hands at the Loewenbraeukeller beer hall at the final CDU/CSU campaign rally head of German elections on February 22, 2025 in Munich, Germany. Germany is scheduled to hold snap federal paliamentary elections tomorrow. (Photo by Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

A major shift to the right in Germany as conservatives win elections, followed by far-right AfD in second place

By Frank Zeller, Sebastien Ash, and others