New Delhi, Feb. 24 -- Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is set to take the reins of the country's government following a national election that saw his party secure the largest share of the vote, per the exit polls. With the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), emerging winners according to predictions, Merz now has to form a coalition government in a fragmented political landscape.

Coalition negotiations will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Germany's future policies. While the CDU/CSU ran on a conservative, pro-business platform-advocating for tax cuts, stricter immigration policies, and increased defense spending-its ability to implement these ...