German voters cast their ballots in Sunday’s election, with opposition leader Friedrich Merz claiming victory and Chancellor Olaf Scholz conceding defeat. Exit polls also indicate that Alternative for Germany,

Exit polls show the center-right Christian Democratic Union party leading, with the AfD party heading towards the strongest showing of the far-right since World War II.

Germany's conservatives won the national election on Sunday, while the far-right Alternative for Germany came in second, its best ever result.

Incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz has conceded defeat for his centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) after what he called “a bitter election result” on Sunday. View on euronews

Germany’s conservatives won Sunday’s elections, with their leader Friedrich Merz set to become the next chancellor, followed by the far-right AfD in second place after record gains, according to exit polls.

Europe must seek to “achieve independence” from the United States, Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said after his opposition conservatives won elections on Sunday, in a vote that also saw surging support for the far-right.

Christian Democrats Lead With 30% Of Vote As Far-Right AfD Surge To Second Place With Record 20% Of Vote – Exit Polls

Millions voted for a new federal government after the country's three-party coalition fell apart at the end of last year.

The Christian Democratic Union and its allied Christian Social Union secured the largest share of votes in the German federal election, exit polls show.