Conservative Friedrich Merz is set to be sworn in on Tuesday as Germany's new chancellor at a critical juncture as the economy battles its longest post-war downturn, relations with top security ally the United States fray and the far-right surges.

The new German chancellor has taken a hard line on immigration, as well as against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Germany's parliament is set to elect conservative Friedrich Merz as its new Chancellor. The 69-year old is promising to revitalize the country's flagging economy and boost its voice on the world stage. It brings an end to Germany's recent political limbo after the last government collapsed.