Germans vote in election as conservatives and far-right party expect strong results

Germans are voting in a national election where the conservative party, led by Friedrich Merz, is expected to regain power. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is also projected to achieve its best-ever result. The election follows the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's coalition last November. The Social Democrats (SPD) are likely to face their worst outcome since World War Two, amid rising public concern over immigration and economic issues. Coalition negotiations may be challenging due to the fragmented political landscape. Mainstream parties have ruled out working with the AfD, complicating the formation of a stable government.