Germany ’s center-left Social Democrats have approved a deal to join a new coalition government, paving the way for parliament to elect conservative leader Friedrich Merz as the country’s new chancellor.

German conservative leader Friedrich Merz, the country's presumptive next chancellor, on Monday urged his centre-right party's delegates to approve a coalition deal struck with the Social Democrats (SPD).

On foreign policy, Merz aims to take a more active role in Europe in contrast to the more tepid approach of his predecessar Olaf Scholz. Once he is sworn in, he is expected to travel to Paris and Warsaw to meet counterparts Emmanuel Macron and Donald Tusk.