German lawmakers are expected to vote on a new budget that sharply raises public spending, with the plan calling for new debts to pay for record investments in defense and infrastructure projects.

BERLIN — Friedrich Merz won lawmakers' approval to become the next German chancellor on Tuesday in a second vote in parliament, hours after an unprecedented defeat in the first round.

BERLIN, May 6 (Reuters) - German conservative leader Friedrich Merz was elected chancellor by parliament on Tuesday in a second round of voting after an unprecedented defeat on the first attempt ...

Parliament is suspended for the day. Germany has a new government. Merz now heads over the chancellery for the first time as chancellor; after that, he will preside over his first cabinet meeting ...