Friedrich Merz officially became Chancellor of Germany this week, but only after two rounds of voting in the Bundestag - a first for a new chancellor in postwar German history. His initial failure to clinch the position raises concerns about his leadership, and has Europeans asking whether Germany under Merz can step back into its traditional European leadership role. Katja Hoyer, a historian, journalist and author of Beyond the Wall: A History of East Germany, joins Thanos Davelis as we break down whether Merz is emerging weakened out of the gate, and look into what this means for Europe.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

A Very Rough Start for Germany's New Chancellor Merz

Merz is weakened from Day 1. Europe will pay the price.

Friedrich Merz becomes Germany’s chancellor—after a painful defeat

France and Germany to set up joint security council

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