BERLIN (Reuters) - German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become the next chancellor, said on Thursday he wanted to win back the lost trust of key allies and ensure Berlin is more assertive on the global stage in a speech laying out his foreign policy plans.

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, the conservative frontrunner to replace Chancellor Olaf Scholz after Germany's upcoming elections, is calling on the European Union to present a united front in response to US President-elect Donald Trump.

German conservative candidate for chancellor and Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz reacts during the 55th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 21,

Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz, frontrunner in polls to become the next chancellor, on Tuesday urged a united European stance in talks with US President Donald Trump.

Europeans should face US President Donald Trump with self-confidence and in unity, Friedrich Merz, the main conservative candidate for chancellor in upcoming German elections said on Monday. Trump had been elected and would now lead the United States,