Alternative for Germany party secures second place in election as conservatives lead

In Germany's recent election, the right-wing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party secured second place with 19.5% of the vote, a significant increase from previous elections. The conservative CDU/CSU bloc led with 29%. The ruling left-wing SPD fell to third place with 16%. AfD leader Alice Weidel claimed the party is now mainstream and expressed a desire to form a coalition government, despite previous refusals from CDU/CSU. Public sentiment on immigration has shifted, with many voters supporting AfD amid rising concerns over asylum seekers and related incidents. This marks a notable change in the political landscape since the 2015 refugee crisis.