European leaders congratulate Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - Political leaders across Europe congratulated Chancellor Friedrich Merz after Germany's parliament on Tuesday elected him as a new chancellor in a second round of voting.

European Council President Antonio Costa extended "warm congratulations" to Merz, saying he is looking forward to their work together on an ambitious common European agenda.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo extended "heartfelt congratulations" to Merz on assuming his duties as chancellor.

"Germany’s role and leadership is decisive in safeguarding Europe’s security. I look forward to working together towards even stronger and more efficient EU," he wrote on X.

Vjosa Osmani, the president of Kosovo, said that at a defining moment for Europe’s unity and security, Germany’s "continued leadership is more vital than ever."

"As one of Kosovo’s most important allies, we look forward to strengthening our partnership and working together to advance Kosovo’s rightful path toward EU and NATO membership," she said on X.

Congratulating Merz, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that he is looking forward to working together for peace and security and to deepening strong political and economic ties between Germany and Sweden.

Latvia's Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said that she looks forward to continuing their close cooperation to strengthen bilateral partnership.

"Latvia values Germany’s leadership in Europe and its significant role in security and prosperity of the Baltic Sea region," she wrote on X.

Merz, after getting parliamentary approval on Tuesday, became Germany's 10th chancellor since World War II. He secured this position after his Christian Democrats clinched a coalition deal with the Social Democrats following the Feb. 23 snap elections.

In the new coalition government, the conservative CDU/CSU alliance will oversee crucial portfolios, including foreign affairs, interior affairs, and the economy ministries. The Social Democrats will head seven ministries, including finance, defense, and labor, according to the agreement.