Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU wins German elections as Scholz's SPD concedes defeat

Friedrich Merz's CDU/CSU bloc won the German Federal Elections with 28.8% of the vote, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz's SPD finished third at 16.2%, its worst result since World War II. Scholz conceded defeat, calling the outcome "bitter." Merz will need at least one coalition partner to secure a majority in the Bundestag. Possible partners include the SPD or the Greens, but a three-party coalition may be necessary depending on the final vote count. Merz emphasized the need for a quick coalition formation, stating that the world will not wait for lengthy discussions. The final vote count is still underway.