Premier takes flight in the rarefied atmosphere of diplomacy, daring to go where no man — or woman — has gone.

The victory of the Christian Democratic leader in the February 23 German parliamentary elections was met with relief by France, Poland and other members that support a bolder role for the European Union in tackling security and economic challenges.

Keir Starmer, Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron are trying to keep the mercurial US president onside over Europe’s security

Far-right parties have become leading opposition forces in both Germany and France, and they believe they hold the democratic future of these countries in their hands.

Friedrich Merz, Germany's likely next head of government, is already trying to shape foreign policy. He is especially concerned about Germany's ailing relationships with France and Poland.