Friedrich Merz set to become Germany's chancellor as far-right AfD gains ground

Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU party won Germany's recent election with about 29% of the vote, ending the coalition led by the Social Democrats. The far-right AfD party gained significant support, doubling their share to around 21%. Merz will likely form a coalition government with the SPD, as the AfD will not be included. The election highlighted a politically divided Germany, with the SPD experiencing its worst result in over a century. High voter turnout reached 83.5%, reflecting public engagement amid rising tensions over immigration and economic issues. Merz's leadership style is expected to differ from Angela Merkel's, as he adopts a more right-wing approach.