On Feb. 23, Germans took to the polls in an election that hinged their view on their country’s role in an on edge Europe. The Social Democrats (SPD) suffered a resounding defeat to the Christian Democratic alliance (CDU/CSU) in a significant turn around from four years ago. 

The elections came earlier than expected after the country’s governing alliance crumpled last year. The current Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, will be heading out of power and will most likely be replaced by Friedrich Merz, a German businessman and politician.

In a press conference, Merz warned President Donald Trump not to make deals with Russia about the war in Ukraine without the support of other European nations.