Germany's likely next Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned on Sunday whether NATO would remain in its "current form" by June in light of comments by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, and said Europe must quickly establish an independent defence capability.

The Christian Democrat, who appeared to have a path to a stable governing coalition, hopes to lead Europe’s response to President Trump’s reshuffling of alliances.

Four candidates are bidding to be Germany’s next leader in Sunday’s election. The would-be chancellors are the incumbent, the opposition leader, the current vice chancellor and — for the first time — a leader of a far-right party.

Germany’s centre-right leader Friedrich Merz won federal elections on Sunday, clearing his path to become Chancellor at a time of economic and political upheaval for Europe’s biggest democracy. Merz’s CDU/CSU secured around 29 per cent of the vote,

Exit polls suggest that Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the conservative Christian Democrats who has vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe, will be Germany’s next leader. The hard-right AfD party was in second place.

Turnout in the federal election, Germany’s 21st since the second world war, appears to be high. By 2pm on Sunday, 52 per cent of voters had cast their vote in polling stations, the Federal Returning Officer said. This compares to an average of 41 per cent in the elections since 1998, according to data by Wahlrecht.de.

Friedrich Merz, the frontrunner for Germany’s next chancellor, has expressed doubts about NATO’s future. The politician believes that Europe may need its own military force, according to Radio Liberty.

Germanys probable next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has raised concerns over NATOs stability following U.S. President Donald Trumps recent remarks urging Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense.