Conservatives lead in German election as far-right AfD achieves record support

Germany's Christian Democrats, led by Friedrich Merz, won the national election with 28.7% of the vote, positioning Merz to become the next chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a record 19.8%, marking its best performance. The Social Democrats, led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz, fell to 16.4%, their lowest since World War Two. Coalition talks will be challenging, as mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD, complicating governance. The election reflects a shift in public sentiment, with growing concerns over living standards and migration. The AfD's rise signals a significant change in Germany's political landscape, complicating future coalition formations.