Merz government to be sworn in as Germany ends months of stalemate8 hours ago Share Save Jessica Parker BBC Berlin correspondent Share SaveGetty Images Friedrich Merz (holding government document) signed a coalition deal with the Social Democrats on MondayGermany's parliament is set to elect conservative Friedrich Merz as new Chancellor. It brings an end to Germany's recent political limbo after the last government collapsed. But Merz takes office at a time of huge uncertainty abroad and a surging far-right at home. Merz has promised to tighten immigration rules, invest in the nation's ailing infrastructure and rebuild ties with key European partners. But because support for the governing parties is relatively low, "Merz will need to convince the broader public of the necessity to spend more on defence".