Germany’s election winner Friedrich Merz has warned the United States against turning its back on allies, but also urged Europeans to build up their own defence capabilities, saying it was now “five minutes to midnight for Europe”.
His comments underscored the turmoil engulfing the transatlantic alliance since the re-election of US President Donald Trump and fears he could strike a deal with Russia over Ukraine while Kyiv and Europe just watch from the sidelines.
Mr Merz’s conservatives are looking to quickly form a government after winning a national election but face tricky coalition talks and the prospect of an obstructive parliament after far-right and…