Newly elected German Chancellor Friedrich Merz - in pictures

Germany's newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, left, is welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on May 7, 2025. AFP
Germany's newly elected Chancellor Friedrich Merz, left, is welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris on May 7, 2025. AFP
Mr Merz sits down for talks with Mr Macron at the Elysee Palace, one day after being elected Chancellor. He was voted in by the German parliament in a second round, after suffering a surprise defeat at the first attempt. Getty Images
Mr Merz sits down for talks with Mr Macron at the Elysee Palace, one day after being elected Chancellor. He was voted in by the German parliament in a second round, after suffering a surprise defeat at the first attempt. Getty Images
Mr Merz talks to journalists aboard as his plane prepares to take off from Berlin on his visit to France and Poland. EPA
Mr Merz talks to journalists aboard as his plane prepares to take off from Berlin on his visit to France and Poland. EPA
Mr Merz arrives to board the Konrad Adenauer government plane to fly to Paris. Taking office, he vowed to be 'a very European chancellor'. Getty Images
Mr Merz arrives to board the Konrad Adenauer government plane to fly to Paris. Taking office, he vowed to be 'a very European chancellor'. Getty Images
Mr Merz has vowed to revive Germany's economy and strengthen Berlin's role in Europe as it responds to rapid change since US President Donald Trump returned to power. AP
Mr Merz has vowed to revive Germany's economy and strengthen Berlin's role in Europe as it responds to rapid change since US President Donald Trump returned to power. AP
New German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrives at Orly Airport near Paris. Getty Images
New German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul arrives at Orly Airport near Paris. Getty Images