Germany's likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned on Sunday whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June in light of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, and said Europe must quickly establish an independent defence capability.

The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.

Merz, 69, is set to become Germany's next chancellor after his CDU/CSU bloc came in first place, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surging to a historic second place following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Schol'z three-way alliance.

Exit polls suggest that Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the conservative Christian Democrats who has vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe, will be Germany’s next leader. The hard-right AfD party was in second place.

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner for Germany’s next chancellor, has expressed doubts about NATO’s future. The politician believes that Europe may need its own military force, according to Radio Liberty.

Germanys probable next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has raised concerns over NATOs stability following U.S. President Donald Trumps recent remarks urging Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.

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