German elections: Friedrich Merz strikes deal with Olaf Scholz's SPD to form new govt

German conservatives led by Friedrich Merz have formed a coalition with the SPD, led by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Merz defeated Scholz after Germany’s government collapsed in November last year, triggering snap elections on February 23. Conservative and center-left parties will present a deal to form a new government in Germany on April 9. The coalition comes at a time of escalating trade tensions US President Donald Trump triggered through sweeping tariffs on Europe and a host of other nations.