German conservatives lead in snap elections as far-right party reaches record support

Germany's center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is projected to return to power after snap elections, with exit polls showing it received 28.8% of the vote. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a record 20.2%, becoming the second-largest party. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is expected to come in third with 16.2%, a significant drop from its previous election results. The socialist Die Linke party also performed well, securing 8.5% of the vote. Coalition negotiations are set to begin, with the CDU likely seeking to partner with the SPD or the Greens. The AfD will not be included in these talks, limiting its influence despite its electoral gains.