German opposition leader Merz would strike deals with Trump

Friedrich Merz, the head of Germany's opposition Christian Democrats, has said that if he were chancellor, he would seek deals with president-elect Donald Trump that place Germany on a more equal footing, reported dpa.

Merz is seen as the strongest contender to succeed Chancellor Olaf Scholz in snap elections expected early next year, after Scholz's three-way governing coalition collapsed on Wednesday.

"We need to go from being a sleeping midsize power back to being a leading midsize power," Merz told Germany's Stern magazine.

"We have never really articulated and asserted our interests well enough in Germany, and we have to change that. The Americans are much more proactive in this respect," Merz said.

"It should not be the case that just one side benefits, but rather that we make good agreements for both sides. Trump would call it a deal," he added.

Merz gave the example of US fighter jet deliveries.

"We buy F-35 fighter jets from the Americans out of necessity, but then they should be maintained here, and we should also get the necessary facilities for this. That would be good business for both sides," the chancellor candidate noted.

"I watch Trump and talk to a lot of people who know him very well. They tell me: You have to approach him with an upright gait and clarity."

Merz accused the German government of mishandling the US election, which Trump emerged from as a clear winner. He argued that Berlin should have