Germany's incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz promised to "move our country forward again" by presenting a coalition agreement between his conservatives and the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD).

"We will help shape change in the world," Merz said. "The coalition agreement signals a new beginning for our country." 

He added that "Europe can count on Germany", AFP reported.  

The incoming chancellor assured that his government would "put an end to illegal migration", promising strict border controls and a "repatriation offensive" targeting those in the country illegally.

"There will be controls at national borders and we will also turn back asylum seekers," he said while presenting a coalition agreement.

Another part of the agreement provides for an increase in defence spending. | BGNES