AfD leader claims historic election success as party becomes second strongest in Germany

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has reported a significant election result, becoming the second strongest party with 19.8% of the vote. Party leader Alice Weidel stated they are ready to participate in government. The conservative CDU/CSU bloc won 28.7% but achieved its second worst post-war result. Coalition talks are expected to be challenging, as mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD. The election campaign highlighted divisions over migration and the far-right's role in German politics, which remains sensitive due to the country's history.