Conservative CDU/CSU wins national election in Germany, Friedrich Merz set to become chancellor

Germany's opposition conservatives, CDU/CSU, have won the national election, with leader Friedrich Merz likely to become the next chancellor. This marks a significant shift in the political landscape. The CDU/CSU received 28.6% of the vote, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured 20.8%, its best result to date. The ruling SPD finished third with 16.4%. World leaders, including US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, congratulated Merz on the victory. Voter turnout was reported at 52% before polls closed.