Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany's next chancellor, promises a more assertive foreign policy aligned with a strong trans-Atlantic relationship, and a firm stance against Russia and China. He aims for increased military spending and clearer support for Ukraine,

A network of more than 700 fake social media accounts has sprung up in the last week of Germany's election campaign, researchers say, promoting pro-Russian narratives and demonising conservative election frontrunner Friedrich Merz.

On European issues, the leader of the Christian Democrats and likely future chancellor of Germany intends to lay boundaries to Brussels' prerogatives and move closer to Poland.