Briefly

GERMANY

Parties agree to form a new government

Conservative and center-left parties reached a deal to form a new government on Wednesday after long talks, paving the way for new leadership in Germany. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, is expected to become Germany's next leader, replacing Olaf Scholz.

SOUTH KOREA

Opposition leader Lee signals presidential run

South Korea's main opposition party leader Lee Jae-myung said on Wednesday he was stepping down as party chief, amid expectations that the current front-runner for the presidency in opinion polls would soon declare his run. South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3.

Agencies Via Xinhua