German conservatives lead election polls as far-right AfD eyes record support

Exit polls in Germany show conservatives leading in the election, with the Alternative for Germany (AfD) set for historic gains. The AfD is projected to receive around 19.5-20% of the vote, doubling its 2021 results. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are expected to finish third, with support at 16-16.5%, marking their worst postwar election result. The environmentalist Greens are projected to receive 13.5% of the vote. The election was called early after Scholz's coalition collapsed in November. Voter concerns included economic stagnation and migration issues, amid uncertainty regarding Ukraine and NATO's future.