German conservatives win election as far-right AfD reaches record support

German conservatives, led by Friedrich Merz, won the national election with 28.5% of the vote, positioning Merz to become the next chancellor. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved its best result ever, securing 20%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD) fell to 16.5%, their lowest since World War Two. The Greens received 12%, while the Free Democrats (FDP) and the far-left Die Linke party garnered around 5% and 9%, respectively. Coalition talks are expected as Merz's party lacks a majority. The election results reflect a shift in public sentiment, particularly regarding migration, complicating the political landscape in Germany.