German chancellor criticizes US election interference as AfD gains support

Friedrich Merz, the new German Chancellor, criticized U.S. interference in the recent elections, equating it to Russian influence. His conservative party, the CDU, won 28.5% of the vote, while the far-right AfD secured 20.8%, marking a historic rise. Merz plans to strengthen European independence from the U.S. after the CDU's return to power following four years in opposition. The governing SPD fell to third place, facing a significant decline in support, which they called a "historic defeat." Coalition talks are expected to begin soon, with the CDU likely to partner with the SPD. The election results reflect a shift in German politics, with the AfD gaining ground amid rising concerns over immigration and security.