With ties between Europe and the United States fraying and Russia’s war in Ukraine entering its fourth year, Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, will assume office Tuesday as key allies, from Paris to Warsaw,

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz on Tuesday failed to be elected the country's next chancellor in a first round of voting in parliament, falling six votes short of an absolute majority in a shock result.

Friedrich Merz is widely expected to be sworn in as chancellor this morning, following a vote by lawmakers in the lower house of parliament. Follow live.