Conservative Friedrich Merz leads German election as far-right party gains ground

In the upcoming German elections, conservative Friedrich Merz is leading the race, with his party polling around 30%. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is in second place at a record 20%, marking a significant shift in the political landscape. Merz aims to address public concerns over immigration, which he believes is crucial to countering the AfD's rise. His recent actions have broken the previous consensus among parties to avoid cooperation with the AfD, leading to protests and heightened tensions. The election outcome on February 23 will require Merz to form a coalition, potentially with parties from the former government. Germany faces economic challenges and geopolitical tensions, complicating the formation of a stable government.