German conservatives lead in exit polls as far-right party achieves record support

In Germany's recent national election, exit polls show opposition leader Friedrich Merz's conservatives leading, while the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) nearly doubled its support, marking its strongest performance since World War II. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are projected to finish third, with their lowest postwar result. The environmentalist Greens, part of the outgoing coalition, are also trailing. Merz's ability to form a coalition government remains uncertain, as he has ruled out partnering with AfD. The election was held early due to the collapse of Scholz's coalition amid widespread discontent.