Throughout history, Germany has been one of the most important actors shaping the military, economic and geopolitical dynamics in Europe.
During the First World War, the Second World War and beyond, Germany has always tried to shape Europe, for better or worse.
Many moves were made over time.
Some defended Hitler's Germany, others argued for a United States backed Europe, and still others were in favor of Soviet Russia.
Nevertheless, Germany's policies with the United States shaped Europe in the post Cold War era.
After the Soviet collapse, Germany pursued a policy of balance with Russia and developed good relations.
Until the invasion of Ukraine.
Even then, Germany was hesitant to make a move against Russia due to some internal reservations.
Under Scholz, these reservations were partially overcome and Germany started to become one of the strongest actors providing the most support to Ukraine.
However, this was not enough.
Germany's weakening foreign policy had made it ineffective against Putin.
In addition, Germany's army was incapable of renewing itself in this process.
The population was shrinking and the army was aging.
While none of Germany's moves were a solution to the concerns created by the invasion of Ukraine, they did not lead to a clear outcome for Ukraine either.
Because Germany did not want to leave Ukraine alone, nor was it willing to push Putin to his limits.
Choosing one or the other was perhaps the solution, for better or worse.
However, Germany's policy towards Russia changed overnight.
The conservative Friedrich Merz won the election and sent a new message from Berlin to Europe: “Full support for Ukraine, tough stance on Russia!”
The new German Chancellor, who won the elections and is being hailed as a new hope for Ukraine, is set to become Kremlin leader Vladimr Putin's next nightmare.
Conservative leader and new Chancellor Friedrich Merz has won the elections in Germany and Europe has taken a new turn.
It is not yet clear exactly what the new German government will look like or how much Merz will be able to reshape German politics as he sees fit.
What is known is that Friedrich Merz has stated that Germany is not neutral, that it does not stand in the middle, but that it is on the side of Ukraine.
Merz has shaken the world agenda with this stance.
It was also noteworthy that the new German leader claimed that there were five minutes to midnight for Europe.
But what did all this mean?
How will Friedrich Merz breathe new life into European Union ideology, North Atlantic Treaty Organization strategy and the war in Ukraine?
What plans does Merz have against Russia?
Let's take a look at what kind of Europe and what kind of future Germany's new chancellor envisions.