Editorial: Le Monde

• Friedrich Merz's arrival at the German chancellery is being awaited by his partners in Europe.
• He assumes leadership when the European Union faces the greatest strategic and geopolitical uncertainty.
• His radical statements on the transatlantic relationship and the urgency for Europe to take its destiny into its hands have alarmed part of his conservative base.
• He has used the composition of the outgoing Bundestag to his advantage before coming to power.
• Expectations are high in Paris, where Merz will make his first overseas visit.
• The coalition agreement between the CDU and the SPD includes a willingness to reactivate a Franco-German agenda.
• There is an expectation for concerted action and firm stances from Germany on the continent's security.
• Merz will also visit Warsaw to bring the communication focus to the European level.

Conclusion: The power transition in Germany is crucial at this moment. Merz's focus on the continent's security and relationships with other European countries, particularly France, will be closely watched. While his willingness to change the status quo has been met with skepticism by some, it may be what Europe needs in this time of uncertainty.

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