Germans prepare to vote as conservatives lead in polls ahead of election

Germans will vote on Sunday, with the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) expected to defeat Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is also anticipated to gain significant support. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, has stated he will not collaborate with the AfD, despite its rising popularity. The AfD is capitalizing on public concerns over immigration and economic issues, which many attribute to past government failures. Chancellor Scholz's coalition collapsed in November, leading to declining support for his party. The CDU has maintained a lead in polls, while the AfD faces scrutiny for its extremist ties and has been under surveillance by Germany's intelligence agency.