Friedrich Merz, the new Chancellor of Germany, has officially assumed his role after a tumultuous parliamentary process that saw him fail to secure election in the first voting round. Despite this setback, he emerged victorious in a second round, though not without questions about his leadership capabilities and public image. His first international trip will see him visiting Warsaw and Paris, aimed at reinforcing European unity amidst calls for increased defense spending within the EU. As Merz navigates the challenges in his new position, including managing coalition dynamics and public expectations, analysts are already scrutinizing his leadership approach and the impact of recent political upheavals in Germany.