Uncertain outlook in Berlin as man who is likely to be next chancellor has to convince sceptical voters he can deliver change
Friedrich Merz's CDU victory in Germany's federal election is overshadowed by the party's second-worst result, voter loss to the AfD, and the challenge of meeting high expectations for reviving the economy and navigating European and foreign policy issues. The SPD criticized Merz, and analysts foresee a difficult period for the traditionally westward-oriented CDU.
