BERLIN (Reuters) - 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, front-runner to become Germany’s next chancellor, called incoming US President Donald Trump a “very predictable leader” with a clear agenda who’ll force Europe to carry out necessary reforms more quickly.

Opposition leader Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner to become Germany's next chancellor, said the second presidency of Donald Trump would bring clarity for the European Union as he hosted conservative EU heavyweights in Berlin.

BERLIN (Reuters) - 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.

German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has spoken out about US President-elect Donald Trump. He noted that the future American leader is "very predictable," Bloomberg reports. Merz said that Trump is a "very predictable leader" with a clear agenda that will force Europe to implement necessary reforms faster.