Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU), accused Social Democrat Scholz of delaying tactics because Scholz had refused to speed up his planned timetable for fresh elections, following the collapse of his ...

The collapse of Germany’s ’traffic light’ coalition government headed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz has thrown the focus on opposition leader Friedrich Merz. The 68-year-old, who leads the Christian Democratic Union (CDU),

Germany's main opposition leader Friedrich Merz criticised Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday as "irresponsible" for delaying early elections, as an opinion poll also showed voters in favour of an early vote to pull the country out of political crisis.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz of seeking to delay an early election until March purely for party political advantage and reiterated his demand for a January vote.

Germany's opposition calls for an immediate confidence vote after the ruling coalition collapses:::: Friedrich Merz, CDU Opposition leader:: Berlin, Germany:: "There is absolutely no reason to wait until January of next year to ask for a vote of confidence.