CDU declares victory in German election as smaller parties fall short

The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has declared victory in Germany's recent election, securing 28% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) followed with 20%, marking its best performance since World War II. Smaller parties, including the Free Democratic Party and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, failed to meet the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. The Wagenknecht Alliance narrowly missed with 4.97%. The Social Democrats (SPD) came in third with 16%, their lowest result since 1887. This election outcome may simplify coalition-building for the CDU's leader, Friedrich Merz.