Friedrich Merz, the leading candidate for the chancellery in Germany's upcoming election, said a leaked briefing by Germany's ambassador to the United States heavily criticising Donald Trump was damaging to the German government's reputation.

Friedrich Merz, a top candidate for German chancellor, criticized a leaked briefing by Germany's U.S. ambassador that condemned Trump's policies. The briefing, reported by Reuters, challenges Trump's democratic principles and media independence.

Germany's election frontrunner says Europeans are waiting for Germany to take the lead on dealing with the new American president.

German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become chancellor in next month's election, said on Tuesday U.S. President Donald Trump could prove an interesting partner for Europe provided the region had a strong common negotiating position.

Friedrich Merz, the conservative frontrunner to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz after Germany's upcoming elections, is calling on the European Union to present a united front in response to US President-elect Donald Trump.