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Leader Snapshot: Chancellor Merz
• Chancellor since May 2025.
• Chairman of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU); recently reelected with strong party support.
• Leads a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
• Public remarks indicate openness to serving beyond the current term, subject to political conditions.
Merz emphasizes:
• NATO as the cornerstone of German security.
• Expanded German defense capability.
• A more clearly articulated German role in global strategic competition.
Trump–Merz Engagement Record
June 2025 – White House Bilateral
• Oval Office meeting.
• Topics: NATO burden-sharing, Ukraine assistance, trade, and transatlantic coordination.
June 2025 – G-7 Summit (Canada)
• Sideline bilateral discussion focused on Ukraine and sanctions alignment.
August 2025 – White House Multilateral (Ukraine)