German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to see his country driving the most important decisions in Europe again.

That¡¯s what he¡¯s been telling his fellow center-right leaders at recent gatherings, according to a diplomat present for the remarks. The implication, the diplomat added, is blunt: Merz is taking control.

It¡¯s putting him on a collision course with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Union¡¯s top executive.