Friedrich Merz claims victory in Germany election as exit polls show strong support for AfD

In Germany's recent election, opposition leader Friedrich Merz declared victory based on exit polls showing his party in the lead. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is expected to achieve its best results since World War II. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are projected to receive their lowest postwar election results, likely finishing in third place. The election focused on economic stagnation, migration issues, and security concerns related to the Ukraine conflict. Polling stations closed at 6 p.m. local time, with a turnout of 52% reported four hours prior. Unusual voting locations included car dealerships and pubs in Berlin, alongside traditional sites.