German voters head to polls as election signals potential coalition challenges

Voters in Germany are heading to the polls amid significant political divisions, with no party expected to secure a clear majority. The election's outcome will impact both Germany and Europe, especially regarding support for Ukraine and relations with the U.S. The latest polls show the CDU/CSU leading at 29%, followed by the far-right AfD at 21%. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats are at 15%, while the Greens and Free Democrats hold steady at 13% and 5%, respectively. Coalition talks are anticipated to be challenging. All parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, complicating the formation of a government. The CDU aims to cut regulations and boost the economy, while the AfD opposes military support for Ukraine and advocates for stricter immigration policies.