Germans vote as far-right support rises and Trump returns to power

Germans are voting on Sunday amid a rise in far-right support and the return of Donald Trump as U.S. President. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz aims to shift right to attract voters from the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which is expected to perform well. The election follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition in November. The AfD has gained traction due to public concern over asylum seeker-related violence, polling around 20 percent. Merz has promised stricter border controls if elected. Polling stations opened at 8:00 am, with over 59 million eligible voters. Scholz will remain as caretaker until a new coalition is formed, which could take weeks. Many voters are still undecided, reflecting the polarized political climate.