Now it’s neither.This was the central message from the chaotic transfer of power on Tuesday that saw Friedrich Merz, the conservative winner of the last election, take the helm of the world’s third-largest economy.

Germany’s Friedrich Merz has formally become chancellor at the second attempt, hours after an unprecedented defeat signaled deep discontent within his coalition.

BERLIN (AP) — Conservative leader Friedrich Merz succeeded Tuesday in becoming Germany’s next chancellor, drawing applause and a palpable sense of relief in the parliament chamber after a historic loss in the first round of voting threatened the new government's promises of stability.