Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for the chancellery in Germany's upcoming election, said a leaked briefing by Germany's ambassador to the United States heavily criticising Donald Trump was damaging to the German government's reputation.

Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, frontrunner in polls to become the next chancellor, on Tuesday urged a united European stance in talks with US President Donald Trump.

Germany's election frontrunner says Europeans are waiting for Germany to take the lead on dealing with the new American president.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become chancellor in next month's election, said on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump could prove an interesting partner for Europe provided the region had a strong common negotiating position.

BERLIN (Reuters) - German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become the next chancellor, said on Thursday he wanted to win back the lost trust of key allies and ensure Berlin is more assertive on the global stage in a speech laying out his foreign policy plans.

The incumbent government of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, a Social Democrat (SPD), has styled itself as a champion of the rules-based international order and, in the case of Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, of an ethical, feminist foreign policy.

Europeans should face US President Donald Trump with self-confidence and in unity, Friedrich Merz, the main conservative candidate for chancellor in upcoming German elections said on Monday. Trump had been elected and would now lead the United States,